has been accused of "giving up" in the recent Shanghai Masters final.
The Serb was on the hunt for a milestone 100th title but suffered a 7-6(4) 6-3 defeat to Jannik Sinner.
One of Sinner's compatriots, former French Open champion Adriano Panatta, admitted he was sorry to see the 24-time Major winner be "resigned" to losing to Sinner.
Djokovic contested just his third final of the year on Sunday. The world No. 4 has had a disappointing season by his standards with disappointing losses at some of the biggest tournaments.
He also managed to win the one thing he'd always wanted - an Olympic gold medal - and he came to Shanghai Masters in the hopes of lifting his 100th title. Djokovic showed his best tennis since the Olympics during his outing in China.
But he was no match for Sinner in the championship match, losing in straight sets. Panatta has now claimed that Djokovic gave up after losing the close first set in a tiebreak.
"He played well, but for exactly one hour," the former world No. 4 told .
"After the first set there was no more match, so I think that Djokovic also resigns himself to giving up.
"I think that a player like him who was probably the best of all time in terms of results, is not a player who can allow himself to leave the court, I don't say humiliated, but with a good beating from Sinner."
The 1976 also shut down any suggestions that he wasn't a fan of Djokovic as he apologised after seeing the 24-time Major winner fall away against Sinner.
Panatta added: "I'm a little sorry, because I have great admiration for Djokovic, I always say that I didn't love Djokovic, but that's not true. I loved Federer more."
after losing their eighth meeting on Sunday. But the Serb is still encouraged by his ability to compete with the top young guys.
"I did my best tonight. Under the circumstances, you know, I felt maybe not a hundred per cent fresh, but at the same time big credit to Jannik for playing the big points better than me, and that's what made the difference," the Olympic champion explained.
"He deserved to win, he was just too strong in important moments. But, nevertheless, I still think that even in the finals today I played pretty good, so, which, you know, gives me, I guess, reason to believe that I can still play with these guys that are best in the world at this level. Hopefully I can maintain that level in the upcoming months, and also for the future."
You may also like
Wetherspoons to shut historic pub that 'feels like home' for the final time next month
The Bill cast unrecognisable 40 years after crime show debut
Meet Thomas Tuchel: England's New Head Coach Aiming for 2026 FIFA World Cup Glory
Chhattisgarh to begin paddy procurement from Nov 14, launches measures to curb illegal liquor sales
Channel 4's A Place In The Sun confirms future as they offer new update
UAE's retirement income system improves global score
Six killed, 43 injured in Israeli airstrike on municipal building in Lebanon
Save almost £100 on 'super comfortable' platform sheepskin slippers as they get price slashed in sale
Delhi Ridge tree-felling: SC asks L-G to file personal affidavit in contempt proceedings
Inside dream home for commuters that's literally inside a train station
Zambia intensifies efforts to combat online scams
Amazon confirms biggest-ever Kindle refresh including something that's totally new
One of the best action movies of all time is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Avoid 'most expensive time of the day' to wash laundry and opt for 'magic hour' instead
The £12bn airport named 'world's best' that's even got its own 'mini-forest'
Over 1.4 million North Korea youngsters apply to join army following drone incursion incident: Report
Fatima Sana Shaikh shares candid pics with her 'fam' from Dharamshala vacation
Nigella Lawson's 'correct way' to butter toast has completely baffled fans
Only 1 per cent of people can find the mistake in this watch face in less than 11 seconds
'Magic way' to clean your skirting boards and leave them dust-free for good using unusual product