Defending champion Novak Djokovic pulled out of the French Open ahead of his quarter-final due to a knee injury sustained in his marathon fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo, organisers said on Tuesday. The withdrawal ended the Serb’s quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy and will result in him losing the world number one ranking to Italian Jannik Sinner later this month.
Details of the Injury
“Due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee (discovered during an MRI scan), Djokovic, who was supposed to play Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals tomorrow, has been forced to withdraw from the Roland Garros tournament,” organisers said. Last year’s runner-up Ruud will advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Monday’s marathon match was the second straight clash in which Djokovic was taken to five sets after his epic against Lorenzo Musetti. The Serb said he had been carrying an injury for a couple of weeks and that the problem flared up when he slipped during his match against Cerundolo.
This unexpected turn of events has not only impacted Djokovic’s immediate future but also the dynamics of the tournament. With Djokovic out, the competition opens up significantly for other top players, including Ruud and Sinner.
Implications for Djokovic and the Tennis World
Djokovic’s withdrawal is a significant blow not just to his fans but also to the tennis world at large. His absence from the French Open quarter-finals marks a rare interruption in his otherwise stellar career. The knee injury will require careful management and rehabilitation, potentially affecting his participation in upcoming tournaments.
For Jannik Sinner, this development is a golden opportunity. Ascending to the world number one ranking is a milestone that could redefine his career trajectory. As for Casper Ruud, advancing to the semi-finals without facing Djokovic provides a less arduous path, but it also places him under the spotlight, with heightened expectations from fans and analysts alike.
The French Open continues, but the shadow of Djokovic’s knee injury looms large. As tennis enthusiasts await further updates on his condition, the tournament presses on, promising more twists and turns in this already dramatic season.
