Novak Djokovic accused of 'giving up' as ex-French Open champion sends apologies

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."