Djokovic faces early Olympics exit after second defeat

The 27-year-old Del Potro, who defeated Djokovic to win the bronze medal in men’s singles at the 2012 London Games, is ranked 141st in the world after struggling with serious wrist injuries in recent years, reports EFE.

The opportunity to win one in the men’s doubles alongside Zimonjic went begging too, after the duo were brushed aside 6-4 6-4 in the second round by the home favourites, seeded third, inside 73 minutes.

The Serb has won each of the Grand Slams, but Olympic gold has proven elusive so far, with a bronze in the singles from Beijing his sole podium finish at the Games.

Djokovic said after Monday’s loss that he will not enter mixed doubles in Rio de Janeiro.

The 6-4 6-4 defeat was the second elimination in less than a week for Djokovic.

Serena Williams claimed a straight-sets victory over Alize Cornet in the women’s singles, while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – beaten 6-4 6-3 by Gilles Muller – was arguably the highest-profile casualty of the day.

“I cried a lot last night”. And so I really wanted to play well. She says she always knows how to play me.