French Open: Novak Djokovic withdraws with knee injury, ending title defence, relinquishes World No 1 ranking
- Djokovic withdrew from the French Open ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud due to a knee injury suffered in the previous round
- Jannik Sinner will become Italy’s first men’s tennis world number one after Djokovic’s withdrawal
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Novak Djokovic withdrew from the French Open with an injured right knee on Tuesday, ending his title defence and meaning he will relinquish the No 1 ranking. The tournament announced the news, saying Djokovic has a torn medial meniscus in his right knee. The extent of the injury was found during an MRI exam a day after Djokovic was hurt during a fourth-round victory against No 23 Francisco Cerundolo that lasted five sets spread across more than 4 1/2 hours.
The 24-time grand slam champion was supposed to face two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud in the quarter finals on Wednesday. Instead, Ruud gets a walkover into the semi-finals, where he will face No 4 Alexander Zverev or No 11 Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic’s knee had been bothering him for a couple of weeks before he arrived at Roland Garros – something he kept to himself until after the win against Cerundolo. Early in the second set Monday, Djokovic tweaked his knee and took a medical timeout.
Djokovic blamed the “slippery” Philippe Chatrier court for the injury.
A trainer worked on the joint then and during subsequent changeovers, and Djokovic took what he said a tournament doctor told him was the maximum dose of pills allowed to dull the pain and reduce any inflammation.
“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow – or after tomorrow, if I’ll be able to step out on the court and play,” the 37-year-old Djokovic said after Monday’s win. “You know, I hope so. Let’s see what happens.”
He needed to get back to the title match in Paris to retain his hold atop the ATP rankings.
Jannik Sinner will now become Italy’s first men’s tennis world number one.
The Australian Open champion knew that he could secure number one by reaching the final at Roland Garros, but his landmark achievement was secured earlier than expected.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fine season, also winning the Rotterdam and Miami Opens in addition to his maiden grand slam title in Melbourne.
