There was no end in sight to Li Na's unhappy association with Wimbledon as the world number two suffered a shock third round exit at Wimbledon yesterday, going down 7-6(5) 7-6(5) to the Czech Republic's Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

Li was champion on red clay at Roland Garros in 2011 and on the hard courts of the Australian Open in January but grass has proved to be tougher surface to conquer for the popular Chinese player.

Her hopes of improving on three previous quarter-final appearances ended yesterday when she whipped a forehand long on match point to become the highest seed to fall so far at this year's championships.

Zahlavova Strycova raised her arms in triumph as she finally reached the second week of a grand slam at her 33rd attempt and after more than a decade of trying.

The 28-year-old will play former world number one Caroline Wozniacki for a place in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile in the men's singles, Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon hopes looked in serious jeopardy against Gilles Simon on Centre Court as he rolled around in pain clutching his left shoulder, but the Serb recovered to win 6-4 6-2 6-4 and reach the last 16.

Leading 3-2 in the third set Djokovic was closing in on an uneventful victory against his French opponent when he stumbled and dived to reach a forehand, crashing to the turf.

With the 2011 champion apparently in extreme pain and with concerned coach Boris Becker watching on, it looked as though Djokovic might not be able to continue but after walking to his chair where a trainer manipulated his shoulder, he carried on.

Despite looking a little tentative, he showed no signs of discomfort and finished the job with a smash.

The shaken 27-year-old, who had slipped several times during a match featuring some long baseline exchanges, looked relieved at the finish and said he hoped a there would be no ill effects from his spectacular slip.

"It was a sharp pain when I fell, an awkward fall," the six-times grand slam champion said after walking off court.

"I was just hoping there is nothing going on with the joint, luckily there is no damage and I could play."

Djokovic has not lost before the quarter-finals at Wimbledon since 2008 and while not hitting top gear so far this year, seems to have plenty in reserve.

He will now get the weekend to recover before playing 14th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the fourth round.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)