PARIS, France – In a stunning turn of events, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open due to a torn right medial meniscus. The world’s No. 1 player will cede his position to Jannik Sinner following Djokovic’s grueling victory over Francisco Cerundolo that left him unable to continue due to injury. In a courageous effort, Djokovic battled through pain in his match against Cerundolo, but the extent of his injury became apparent after an MRI examination.
Struggling with a minor knee injury coming into the tournament, Djokovic’s condition worsened during his match with Cerundolo, forcing him to concede. Despite his hopes for recovery, Djokovic’s inability to change directions or run effectively became evident as the match progressed. The injury hampered his performance, ultimately leading to his decision to withdraw from the tournament.
Djokovic’s withdrawal comes after a series of intense matches, including a marathon victory over Lorenzo Musetti that lasted into the early hours of the morning. While Djokovic showcased his talent with incredible shots and skill, his overall performance throughout the season has been lackluster, with no tournament wins and struggles against lower-ranked opponents.
Looking ahead, Djokovic’s participation in upcoming tournaments such as Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Paris Olympics remains uncertain as he faces the possibility of surgery. With Sinner rising to the top spot in Djokovic’s absence, the landscape of men’s tennis is poised for a shift as Djokovic focuses on his recovery and future competition.