Serbian newspaper Večernjih novosti reports that the injury Novak Djokovic suffered Sunday is a tear to the intercostal muscle between his ribs, an injury that will force him out of action for at least four weeks.
Djokovic was forced to retire from his Davis Cup Semifinal match Sunday against Juan Martin del Potro in the second set, trailing 6-7, 0-3. On what would be the final point of the match, Djokovic hit a forehand and then crumpled to the floor of Belgrade Arena.
Novak Djokovic To Miss Four Weeks Due To Rib Injury
The retirement gave Argentina its third point and the victory in the tie, and a spot in December’s final against Spain.
Djokovic, who has been ranked No. 1 in the ATP rankings since winning Wimbledon, would not be in danger of losing the top spot in the rankings within this four-week span. The injury will force him to miss the 500-level tournament in Beijing and the 1000-level event in Shanghai. Having won Beijing last year and made it to the semifinals in Shanghai, Djokovic will be unable to defend 860 ranking points. He currently leads ATP No. 2 Rafael Nadal by over 4,000 points.
(h/t @anna_tennisfan)
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