Novak Djokovic quits in Dubai due to eye-problem, ends 17 finals streak

Mid-match retirement in Dubai also ended Djokovic's unbeaten start to the year.

New Delhi: An injury forced world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to quit the Dubai Tennis Championships after dropping the first set of his quarter-final against Feliciano Lopez on Thursday.

And with that, Serb's winning streak of 17 successive finals also came to an end.

Top-seeded Djokovic appeared to complain about a problem with his right eye, during the opening set which he eventually lost 6-3.

In fact, the Australian Open champion, who racked up his 700th career win on Wednesday, was booed by some fans as he walked off court having suffered his first loss in 15 matches in 2016.

Mid-match retirement in Dubai also ended the 28-year-old's unbeaten start to the year.

Djokovic is yet to comment on his withdrawal, but Lopez said at his post-match press conference the Serb had an eye infection.