Watch: Novak Djokovic left baffled as Daniil Medvedev retires suddenly after losing tie-break in Astana Open semi-final

Novak Djokovic’s streak of 14 consecutive sets post return to the tour was snapped on Saturday night at the Astana Open semi-final when Daniil Medvedev had won the opening set of the blockbuster tie. However Djokovic bounced back in style to win the second set in the tie-break, hence forcing a deciding third in the match and turning it into a thriller that most expected it to be. But seconds after the end of the second set, Medvedev suddenly retired from the match owing to an injury which left Djokovic completely baffled.

“I really hope that his injury is nothing too serious,” said Djokovic. “I know Daniil, he’s a great guy, he’s a fighter, he’s a big competitor. He wouldn’t retire a match if he didn’t feel that he [could] continue or [if it wouldn’t] worsen his injury. He told me that he pulled an adductor muscle in his leg.

“It was such a close match, particularly in the second set. I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets. I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I’m just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil that it had to end this way.”