Djokovic Avoids Eye Issue Talk After Miami Open Defeat

Novak Djokovic refused to discuss the apparent eye ailment that troubled him during his shocking Miami Open final loss to unseeded Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, insisting he did not want to diminish his opponent's achievement.

After a nearly six-hour rain delay, Djokovic took to the court with visible swelling around his right eye, seemingly caused by a stye. He struggled early, dropping his first service game and using eye drops during a changeover in the first set. Despite his discomfort, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who was denied his 100th career title, described the day as simply weird.

Its unfortunate for me. Two tiebreaks, just very weird match, weird day with rain delay and all the things that were happening. Honestly, I didnt feel my greatest on the court, but it is what it is. Nothing to take away from his victory, he said.

When pressed about the eye issue, the Serbian star declined to elaborate. I really prefer not to talk about it- I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses, he said.

Despite the disappointment, Djokovic expressed admiration for Mensik's performance. The 37-year-old recalled training with Mensik years ago and praised his rapid development. Hes got the complete game. His serve is incredible, powerful, precise. His backhand, typical Czech school, very strong. And his movement is impressive for a big guy, Djokovic said.