Djokovic's French Open Reign Cut Short by Injury
World number one men’s tennis player and defending champion Novak Djokovic, was forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a knee injury. Djokovic suffered the injury during a match that lasted more than five sets and 4 hours 30 minutes against 23rd ranked Argentine player Francisco Cerundolo.This dramatic turn of events unfolded just as Djokovic had secured a spot in the quarterfinals, surpassing a coveted record.
Djokovic has also been ruled out of the third Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon, due to a knee injury. Last year, he won all three Grand Slams except Wimbledon. In Wimbledon, he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
A Hard-Earned Victory and a Historic Milestone
Djokovic’s journey at Roland Garros began with a historic victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo. This grueling five-set match, lasting over four and a half hours, saw Djokovic etch his name in the record books. He surpassed the legendary Roger Federer for most Grand Slam wins, reaching a staggering 370 career victories.
Triumph Overshadowed by Injury
However, the triumph came at a cost. The second set of the match witnessed Djokovic battling a right knee injury. Despite valiant efforts and on-court treatment, the MRI scan revealed a torn medial meniscus. This heartbreaking news not only dashed Djokovic’s hopes of defending his French Open title, but also threatened his hold on the top ranking.
A New Path Emerges
Djokovic’s withdrawal opened the door for a new champion to emerge. His scheduled quarterfinal opponent, Casper Ruud of Norway, received a bye. Meanwhile, the battle for the other semifinal spot intensified between Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic's Statement: Disappointment and Determination
The Serbian champion, in a social media statement, expressed his disappointment: “With great sadness I am announcing that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros… I played with all my heart and tried my best, but unfortunately due to the meniscus tear in my right knee, this difficult decision had to be made.”
Looking Ahead: A Cloud Over Wimbledon
Djokovic’s injury not only affects his French Open campaign, but also casts a shadow over his participation in the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. Last year, he dominated the Grand Slams, winning all but Wimbledon, where he fell to the rising star, Carlos Alcaraz.
A New Chapter for Roland Garros pen_spark tune share more_vert
As the curtain falls on Djokovic’s Paris tour, the tennis world is holding its breath, eagerly awaiting the emergence of a new legend who will leave an indelible mark on the hallowed clay courts of Roland Garros. The French Open now braces itself for an unexpected champion. Djokovic’s absence leaves a void, but also presents an opportunity for another contender to etch their name in Roland Garros history.