French Open: Defending champion Djokovic withdraws following injury

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 04/06/2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open before his quarter-final match due to a knee injury.

The Serbian, who blamed the surface of the Roland Garros clay courts, had a scan on the injury on Tuesday.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this year’s French Open, a day before his quarter-final match (Image: NBC News)

Djokovic was believed to have aggravated the knee problem during his fourth-round victory against Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo on Monday.

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The 37-year-old has now made public his withdrawal from the Grand Slam tournament. He was scheduled to play seventh seed Casper Ruud in the last eight on Wednesday.

Djokovic makes “tough decision”

“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw,” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic is no longer part of this year’s French Open following his withdrawal due to injury. (Image: South China Morning Post)

“My team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”

Djokovic, who is a record holder with 24 Grand Slam titles, was aiming to add this year’s French Open title to his cabinet.

As it stands, Djokovic will now lose his status as the world number one. He will be replaced by Italian Jannik Sinner after the French Open.

However, the Serbian’s fitness level will be assessed ahead of the next Grand Slam tournament. Being a seven-time Wimbledon champion, his fans will hope he is fit enough to compete in this year’s edition.