Injury concerns for Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martin del Potro sustained a knee injury during his third-round loss to Borna Coric in Shanghai, potentially disrupting the final segment of his 2018 season.

The Argentine was leading Coric 5-4 in the first set when he chased a drop shot and stumbled, falling onto his knee.

He persisted for a few more games yet retired after dropping the first set 7-5.

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— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) October 11, 2018

“I made a weird movement with the knee and hit the floor very hard. I felt intense pain,” Del Potro told atpworldtour.com.

“After, I lost the stability and strength on my leg, so not to continue was the best decision. I didn’t want any more risks after that.

“The doctor observed me and told that we need to wait for the examinations results in a few hours. Then we will know how bad it was and how to proceed for the next tournaments.”

It’s the second straight week Del Potro has been physically compromised.

At the China Open in Beijing he contracted a virus which left him underpowered during a straight-sets loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the final.

Up next in Del Potro’s schedule are tournaments in Basel and Paris before his first appearance at the ATP Finals since 2013.

Coric, meanwhile, goes on to face Matt Ebden for a place in the Shanghai Masters semifinals.

Happy with the final 8, not happy with Delpo's injury… get well soon ????????
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— borna coric (@borna_coric) October 11, 2018

The injury comes at a particularly awkward time for the Argentine, considering the form he was displaying.

He had reached at last six events he had played – including the final of the US Open and semifinals at Roland Garros – and recently his a career-high ranking of No.3.

With Rafael Nadal inactive due to injury, there was a chance to catch the No.1-ranked Spaniard in the points standings with more strong results.

Del Potro is 47-13 in 2018 with two titles to his name, including the Indian Wells Masters trophy.