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| image: express.co.uk |
In a surprising turn of events, Australian tennis star Alex De Minaur, currently ranked 9th in the world, has withdrawn from his much-anticipated quarterfinal match against world No. 2 Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon due to a severe hip injury.
This news has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, as fans and pundits alike were eager to see the young Aussie take on the legendary Djokovic.
Heartbreak at Wimbledon
De Minaur was visibly devastated by the turn of events. Arriving at Wimbledon on Wednesday with high hopes, he was forced to confront the reality that his dream of winning the championship had been shattered by a painful and debilitating hip injury.
Facing Djokovic in what would have been the biggest match of his career, De Minaur realized during a practice session on Wednesday morning that he stood no chance of competing. The injury, which has been described as unique and severe, left him with no choice but to withdraw.
Uncertain Recovery Timeline
The medical team has been unable to provide a definite recovery timeline for De Minaur. The injury is complex and highly variable, with recovery estimates ranging from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly his body responds to treatment.
De Minaur explained that the injury’s uniqueness makes it difficult to predict an exact timeframe for his return to the court.
Despite the bleak outlook, De Minaur was determined to at least test his injury on the practice court at Wimbledon. Known for his tenacity and fighting spirit, he hoped against hope that he might experience a miraculous recovery that would allow him to compete.
The Biggest Match That Never Was
De Minaur admitted that this match against Djokovic would have been the most significant of his career. He wanted to leave no stone unturned in his efforts to play. Even after receiving the grim diagnosis, he woke up on Wednesday with a glimmer of hope that he might somehow avoid pain and be able to compete.
However, the risk associated with playing was too great. A single wrong move could exacerbate the injury, potentially extending his recovery period from weeks to several months. Faced with such a high-stakes gamble, De Minaur had to make the tough decision to withdraw.
Djokovic Moves Forward
With De Minaur out, Djokovic advances to his 13th Wimbledon semifinal and 49th Grand Slam semifinal overall. He will face either American Taylor Fritz or Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who are set to compete for a spot in the Sunday championship match.
De Minaur’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament and his own career aspirations. Fans were eager to see how he would fare against one of the greatest players of all time. Now, they can only hope for a swift and full recovery so that he can return to the court and continue his ascent in the tennis world.