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Novak Djokovic exits Rio 2016 in tears after shock defeat

Novak Djokovic has left the Rio 2016 court in tears after a surprise first round defeat to an opponent who got stuck in a lift on the morning of the match.

Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro, who is now ranked 141st in the world after a series of injury problems, won 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) to end the top men's seed's hopes of an Olympic tennis medal.

Novak Djokovic described the defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro as 'one of the toughest losses in my career'. Credit: Reuters
The world number one had been beaten by Del Potro in the bronze medal play-off at London 2012. Credit: Reuters
But the Serbian number one said he was pleased for the Argentine victor after a series of injuries in recent years. Credit: Reuters

Del Potro had earlier been trapped in an Olympic Village lift for 40 minutes before being rescued by members of Argentina's handball team.