Rafael Nadal’s Wimbledon conqueror Steve Darcis has withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The Belgian’s coach Reginald Willem had warned this morning it was unlikely Darcis would be able to play his second-round clash with Poland’s Lukasz Kubot.
And the ATP, the governors of the men’s tennis tour, have now confirmed that a right shoulder problem had forced him out.
The 29-year-old caused the shock of the first round at the All England Club, knocking out 12-time grand slam winner Nadal in straight sets.
It emerged that Darcis injured his shoulder during the match against Nadal, the biggest win of his career.
Coach Willems said the injury had left him unable to move his arm. Speaking before the official announcement arrived, Willems told Belgian publication Sudpresse: “There is a 99% chance that Steve will not play his second match.
“He has had an injection this morning (Wednesday) but it will be very hard for him to go out to play. That’s sport, unfortunately: the greatest victory of his career is followed by the greatest disappointment of his career.”
Since Darcis’s withdrawal, the Belgian has been followed by an abnormal amount of retirements and pull-outs. American John Isner, famous at the All England Club for his record-breaking epic match with Nicolas Mahut in 2011, has also withdrawn, with a knee injury.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Radek Stepanek retired while trailing to Polish 24th seed Jerzy Janowicz 6-2, 53 in their second round match.
But arguably the most high-profile of today’s Wimbledon withdrawals is found in the women’s draw as no2 seed Victoria Azarenka pulled out ahead of her second round match with Flavia Pennetta with a knee injury.
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