Tennis: Đoković withdraws from the French Open as a consequence of harm | EUROtoday

Tennis star and defending champion Novak Đoković won’t participate within the quarterfinals of the French Open as a consequence of a knee harm. As the organizer introduced, the Serb withdrew from the event as a consequence of an internal meniscus harm in his proper knee.

His opponent, Norwegian Casper Ruud, is now the primary semi-finalist with no struggle and will face Alexander Zverev there if he wins the quarter-final in opposition to Australian Alex De Minaur.

By cancelling, Đoković not solely has to forego the prospect to defend his title, however he additionally loses the primary spot on the planet rankings. This is now held by Jannik Sinner, who’s thus the primary Italian to prime the world rankings. To stay in first place, Đoković would have needed to win a event in Paris wanted.

“Dream of being number 1 in the world”

“It's a dream for every player to be number one in the world,” stated Sinner. However, Đoković's retirement will not be a pleasant factor. “I wish him all the best.”

Sinner will face Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz within the semifinals. The 21-year-old deservedly gained his quarterfinal on Court Philippe Chatrier in opposition to Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in simply three units, 6:3, 7:6 (7:3), 6:4. For Alcaraz, it was already his fiftieth victory in a Grand Slam match and his fifth semifinal look in one of many 4 main tournaments.

During his match in opposition to Argentinian Francisco Cerúndolo, Đoković slipped on the clay courtroom at Court Philippe Chatrier and injured his knee. He had already knowledgeable the top referee through the match: “I've sprained my knee. I'm slipping and sliding the whole time.”

Đoković's former coach Boris Becker expressed remorse over his harm, however congratulated the 22-year-old Sinner: “This is a historic moment in tennis – a new number one who is playing right now and doesn't know anything about it. It's crazy. Italy will celebrate him!”