Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals on Wednesday when Alex de Minaur withdrew from their last-eight clash with a hip injury.
Australian ninth seed De Minaur suffered the injury in his fourth-round win over Arthur Fils, which he later confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I am devastated to pull out due to a hip injury,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s no secret that this would have been the biggest match of my career but it’s a unique injury.”
“I woke up this morning wanting to feel some sort of miracle, but there was a high risk of making the injury worse if I stepped on the court.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“One stretch, one slide could take this from a three to six weeks’ injury to four months out.”
Consequently, the seven-time Wimbledon champion qualified for the semi-final of the event. Novak Djokovic will be playing in his 13th Wimbledon semi-final and 49th at the Grand Slams.
He will face either Taylor Fritz of the United States or Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti for a place in Sunday’s championship match.
In the second semi-final, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will be facing Daniil Medvedev on Friday.
READ: Jasprit Bumrah named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2024