Juan Martin del Potro makes World Tour Finals admission after Shanghai Masters injury
JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO has admitted he is likely to miss the ATP World Tour Finals after pulling out of the Shanghai Masters.
Del Potro - the world number four - retired from his last-16 match against eventual finalist Borna Coric on Thursday.
The Argentine fractured his right knee cap after taking a heavy fall during the match.
And he is likely to sit out the season-ending World Tour Finals in London in November.
Speaking about the injury, Del Potro, who has won two titles this season, including the Indian Wells Masters, admitted his chances of playing the final tournament of the campaign are remote.
“It's a very difficult moment. I feel very sad,” Del Potro said.
"It's a hard blow that leaves me without strength.
“It's very difficult for me to think about recovery again, I did not expect this to happen.”
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has risen to world No 2 after his 6-3, 6-4 win in the Shanghai Masters final over Borna Coric helped him landed the 72nd title of his career.
It's very difficult for me to think about recovery again, I did not expect this to happen
Speaking at his trophy presentation, Djokovic said: “Back in 2008 I won my first Masters cup and that opened a lot of doors for me and made me the player I am today.
“This is a special place for me.
“I want to congratulate Borna and his team on a great week.
“Tough match today but you showed to the world that we are going to see a lot more of your tennis at this level.
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“I would like to thank my team and my family back home and everyone who has been supporting me.
"The last four months have been tremendous and I am very grateful to make so many great results all over the world.
“I am cherishing every moment and last but not least, I want to thank the tournament organisers and all the volunteers.”