VIDEO: Juan Martin del Potro applauds Rafael Nadal off court after injury
This was the sad moment that Rafael Nadal’s US Open defence came to a limping end.
The world number one, who was hoping to win his second major of the season, was two sets up against Juan Martin del Potro when he decided that a knee injury picked up earlier in the tournament was too restrictive of his ability to compete.
Del Potro is a huge favourite at Flushing Meadows after his underdog win against Roger Federer in 2009, a win that remains his only Grand Slam crown, and he showed his class to the New York crowd once again by applauding Nadal off the court.
👏👏 for a champion…@delpotrojuan always showing respect…#USOpen pic.twitter.com/GaukdtprbL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2018
Nadal won the US Open title last year and was hoping to launch a successful defence in his efforts to finish the end-of-year number one.
More from Tennis365:
Tennis Today: Serena Williams lays down challenge to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Comment: Why it all feels very different for Roger Federer this time
Comment: Tennis needs Nick Kyrgios, so it’s time he ditched the antics and finally delivered
Quiz! Can you name the players who have bagelled Rafael Nadal?
Latest
-
NewsOn This Day in 2015: Andy Murray inspires Great Britain to Davis Cup victory
Great Britain had not won the Davis Cup since 1936.
-
Kevin PalmerRecalling how Britain won the 2015 Davis Cup final amid a backdrop of terror
Kevin Palmer recalls the dramatic 2015 Davis Cup final.
-
Kevin PalmerEXCLUSIVE – On the fifth anniversary of Britain’s Davis Cup win, captain Leon Smith reflects on a glorious year
On this day five years ago, Britain won the Davis Cup.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic ‘met the goal he set out at the beginning of the season’, says his coach
A good season for Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis Top 10ATP top 10 prize-money earners in 2020: Novak Djokovic at No 1 with two surprise names on the list
Novak Djokovic sitting pretty at No 1.
-
WTA TourWTA to adopt ATP-style categories with events changed to WTA Masters, WTA 500, WTA 250?
Changes in line for WTA categories, according to a report.
-
Tennis NewsDominic Thiem hopes to emulate his coach and experience ‘incredible’ medal winning emotions at Olympics
Dominic Thiem sets sights on Tokyo Olympics.
-
Tennis NewsBritish tennis given a boost as the LTA agrees a new partnership with Dunlop
LTA ends challenging year on a high with Dunlop deal.
-
Kevin PalmerEXCLUSIVE – Davis Cup captain Leon Smith echoes Andy Murray views as he outlines his vision for tennis in 2021
Leon Smith hopes tennis can return to normal in 2021.
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev: ‘Inside of me there is a winner that maybe sometimes is a bit childish’
Daniil Medvedev determined to drop the antics.