As Novak Djokovic pursues a third United States Open title, he finds himself in the odd position of issuing get-well messages to a chorus line of incapacitated opponents.
Tennis is not a contact sport, but for many of those across the net from Djokovic, this has been a treacherous few days.
“I can only wish all of my opponents a speedy recovery,” Djokovic said after another injury struck down his latest foe.
It has been the oddest of tournaments for Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 player. First, Jiri Vesely, exhausted by a five-set match in the first round, pulled out before a second-round match with Djokovic.