Novak Djokovic's US Open title defense ended abruptly in the Round of 16 on Sunday evening, when the world No. 1 retired while trailing against Stan Wawrinka, 6-4, 7-5, 2-1. The left-shoulder injury that had nagged Djokovic through the first three rounds of the tournament proved too much at the fourth time of asking as he battled his Swiss rival in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"The pain was constant for weeks now," said Djokovic after the match. "Some days higher, some days with less intensity and obviously taking different stuff to kill the pain instantly. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
"You just know when you know, I guess," added Djokovic, explaining that he knew it was time to retire "when you feel like you're not able to hit the shot anymore."
Even with his Flushing Meadows run cut short, the 32-year-old has compiled a "really good Grand Slam season." No complaints.
"Obviously the Grand Slam season is done for me. I mean, I won two Slams out of four and played the semis [of the French Open].
"There are plenty of big tournaments ahead. Rankings-wise, plenty of points to defend for me and try to [hold on to] that ranking, No. 1. Obviously Rafa has been playing well and Roger and the other guys. I just hope I'll get a chance to be competing, because once I'm healthy, you know, I actually like my chances playing in Asia. And also indoor season, I play historically pretty well in those last couple months of the year."
And he is still keeping an eye on increasing his Grand Slam trophy haul to match (and best) Roger Federer's count of 20. He currently stands at 16.
"It's no secret that I have the desire and a goal to reach the most slams and reach Roger's record. But at the same time, it's a long road ahead hopefully for me. I hope I can play for many more years. I'm planning to. I mean, I don't see an end behind the corner at all.
"Now it's a matter of keeping my body and mind in shape and trying to still peak at these kind of events that are majors and that are the most significant in our sport."
