US Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic pulls out

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Defending champion Novak Djokovic is out of the US Open after quitting through injury against Swiss 23rd seed Stan Wawrinka as defeat loomed in an electrifying fourth-round match.

Djokovic, 32, retired with a shoulder problem seconds after a double fault left him two sets and a break down.

Loud boos greeted the Serb’s decision, with more heard as he walked off court.

“I’m sorry for the crowd, they came to see a full match but it wasn’t to be,” Djokovic said.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka had dominated the blockbuster clash in a boisterous atmosphere at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, producing a powerful display reminiscent of his best to lead 6-4 7-5 2-0 when Djokovic decided he could not continue.

Wawrinka, 34, will play Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the last eight.