Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open with a knee harm, making certain that Jannik Sinner will change into the brand new males’s world No.1 and a brand new Roland Garros champion will probably be topped in Paris.
Djokovic aggravated a proper knee drawback throughout his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo, which was reported lower than 24 hours in a while Tuesday to be a torn medial meniscus.
“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from #rolandgarros,” Djokovic posted on social media.
“I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterday’s match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”
The withdrawal of the three-time champ signifies that Australian star Alex de Minaur, the eleventh seed, would play Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud in Friday’s semi-finals ought to he beat Alexander Zverev in his quarter-final on Wednesday.
Ruud, the two-time finalist, will get a bye by means of to the last-four in Djokovic’s absence.
Australian Open champion Sinner, simply 22, will change into the primary Italian world No.1 when the brand new rankings are unveiled subsequent week.
After beating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to succeed in the semi-finals on Tuesday, Sinner had the news of his elevation to world No.1 damaged to him on court docket by former French star Fabrice Santoro amid a standing ovation on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“What can I say? First of all, it’s every player’s dream to be number one in the world. In the other way, seeing Novak injured is, for everyone, disappointing. so I wish him a speedy recovery,” mentioned Sinner.
“Being No.1 means a lot to me, for sure,” mentioned Sinner, who will face No.3 Carlos Alcaraz or No.9 Stefanos Tsitsipas in Friday’s semifinals.
Djokovic reported on Monday that his knee drawback had been bothering him for a few weeks earlier than he arrived at Roland Garros ? one thing he saved to himself till after the win in opposition to Cerundolo.
“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 had mentioned. “You know, I hope so. Let’s see what happens.”
His withdrawal means Djokovic continues to be and not using a match win in 2024 and his hopes of lastly going previous the document of 24 grand slam triumphs he at the moment shares with Margaret Court must be placed on maintain.
More than that, his exit gives one other end-of-an period whiff, with the mighty triumvirate of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both sidelined, crushed or retired.
And there needs to be a query mark over whether or not Djokovic will make it to Wimbledon, which begins on July 1, or to the Paris Olympics, additionally at Roland Garros, on July 27.
In his outstanding comeback win over Cerundolo — a document 370th victory in grand slam singles — Djokovic, who slipped and tweaked his knee within the second set, had been left sad concerning the slippery situations, and complained afterwards that the court docket ought to have been cared for higher to assist gamers’ traction.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
