Player who Novak Djokovic bowed down to has retired after losing in US Open qualifying

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The ATP Tour has seen some legends of the game hang up their rackets during the 2024 season.

Andy Murray drew the curtain shut on a storied career that saw him win three grand slams and back-to-back Olympic golds.

Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who received a wild card into this year’s main draw, announced that this season will be his last.

While Rafael Nadal has not specified when he will retire, it is becoming increasingly more likely that he will do so imminently.

Now, a good friend and compatriot of Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has followed suit.

Filip Krajinovic retires from professional tennis

Former world number 26 Filip Krajinovic lost in the first round of US Open qualifying on Monday, with it marking the end of his professional career.

A highlight reel was posted to social media by Tennis TV, the official ATP streaming service, in celebration of Krajinovic’s career.

The first point is one between him and compatriot Djokovic during a match in Vienna in 2020.

Djokovic was unable to retrieve a sublime half-volley from his opponent and, in response, shows his appreciation for the quality of the shot by bowing down.

Krajinovic’s career in numbers

Krajinovic was a reliable top 30 player before injuries began to take a toll, leaving him feeling ‘unhappy and lost on the court’.

From 2017 to 2022, the 32-year-old reached five tour-level finals, though he fell short in each attempt.

These included stellar runs to the Queen’s championship match, where he lost to a formidable Matteo Berrettini, as well as an appearance in a Masters 1000 final in Paris.

Krajinovic also spent considerable time alongside Djokovic, partnering with him frequently in Davis Cup ties over the years.