US Open 2016: Novak Djokovic through as Mikhail Youzhny retires
| US Open |
|---|
| Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 29 August – 11 September |
| Coverage: Live commentary on Radio 5 live sports extra plus live text on the big matches on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached the US Open last 16 as a second successive opponent pulled out through injury at Flushing Meadows.
The Serb, who had a walkover in the second round when Jiri Vesely conceded, was leading 4-2 when Russian Mikhail Youzhny quit with a leg problem.
“It’s difficult to pick the words. I don’t think I have had this situation before,” said top seed Djokovic.
He will face Britain’s Kyle Edmund or John Isner in the last 16 in New York.
- Live text and radio: Edmund v Isner
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Djokovic, who has been troubled by a wrist injury in recent months, was on court for only 32 minutes.
“Mikhail carried the injury into this match,” said the 29-year-old, who went to the practice courts with coach Boris Becker immediately after his on-court interview.
“I will try to get the positives out of these six games. I started well with good intensity and will try to carry that on to the next match.
“I’m sorry you guys watching didn’t get to see a full match.”
Two-time US Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain plays Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov in the third round later on Friday.
Sock shocks Cilic
American 26th seed Jack Sock knocked out 2014 champion Marin Cilic.
Croat Cilic was affected by cramp and unable to create a break point as he lost 6-4 6-3 6-3.
“There’s nothing better than playing in front of the home crowd here in New York,” Sock said. “I put it out there on the line on every point.”
Sock, 23, will face France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat South African Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4), in the fourth round.
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