Novak Djokovic withdraws from the French Open and forfeits his top-ranked position.
Injured tennis star Novak Djokovic overcame odds to win his eighth-round match at the French Open on Monday, but won't be able to compete in the quarterfinals due to his knee injury. Upon diagnosis, Djokovic confirmed the withdrawal via the tournament's official account in Paris. Norway's Casper Ruud easily progressed to the semifinals.
Late Monday, Djokovic expressed uncertainty about his playing future: "I'm not sure what will happen tomorrow or the day after. I hope I can play. We'll see what the exams on Tuesday reveal and how it feels when the adrenaline and painkillers wear off." His injury may also impact Djokovic's expected participation in Wimbledon's All England Championships, commencing on July 1st.
Djokovic, an 24-time Grand Slam victor, had trumped Argentine underdog Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Sunday's match. However, the injury had him complaining about the slippery Court Philippe Chatrier: "I twisted my knee. I've been slipping and sliding the entire time."
The doctor administered the maximum dosage of painkillers to Djokovic during this match, who later confessed, "He said that he'd administered the maximum dosage. This would last 45 minutes." Djokovic had previously experienced discomfort in his right knee, but on Monday, it exacerbated on the Court Philippe Chatrier's perilous ground. Before the match, Djokovic had requested the umpire's aid, citing, "I twisted my knee. I've been slipping and sliding the entire time."
Meanwhile, Ruud receives extra time before facing the victor of Tuesday's German Alexander Zverev and Australian Alex de Minaur match in the semifinals. The Norwegian must find a balance between training and rest to maintain peak performance.
Monday's latest turn of events paves the way for Italian Jannik Sinner to become the number one ranking tennis player for the first time. The 22-year-old South Tyrolean replaces Djokovic atop the global tennis rankings.
