A disappointed Viktor Troicki retired from his match against Novak Djokovic today, allowing the world No. 3 to move into the fourth round of Australian Open 2011 without breaking a sweat. The Serbian Davis Cup teammates had played just one set which Djokovic won 6-2 when Troicki informed the umpire that he could not continue, citing a strained stomach muscle.
Speaking after the match, the world No. 27 said that he had first noticed a strain in his second round match against Nicolas Mahut. He said the concern grew when his famous serve wasn’t firing. “For almost two sets I didn’t serve one ace and the percentage was really low and I was glad to win that match. I was really struggling with everything, it was really tough, it was hurting me a lot and that’s why I pulled out of doubles yesterday.”
Djokovic started the match with a solid serve and broke his countryman to pull away 2-0. Troicki feverishly ran after every shot and managed to return some seemingly impossible Djokovic forehands.
Some lengthy rallies entertained the crowd but after the final point of the first set, Troicki retired and left the court. Djokovic now faces either Nicolas Almagro or Ivan Ljubicic in his bid for a second Australian Open crown.
