US Open: Novak Djokovic Withdraws Due to Injury

Defending champion Novak Djokovic is out of the US Open after quitting because of injury against Swiss 23rd seed Stanilas Wawrinka as defeat loomed in an electrifying fourth-round match.

Djokovic retired with a shoulder problem seconds after a double fault left him two sets and a break down.

Loud boos greeted the Serb’s decision, with more heard as he walked off court.

“I’m sorry for the crowd. They came to see a full match but it wasn’t to be,” said world number one Djokovic.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka had dominated the last-16 contest in a boisterous atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, producing a powerful display reminiscent of his best to lead 6-4 7-5 2-0, when Djokovic decided he could not continue.

Wawrinka will play Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.