By The top-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has withdrawn from the French Open before his quarter-final match due to a knee injury, putting an end to his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title. As a result, he will lose his world No 1 ranking to Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s statement on social media conveyed his disappointment and the difficult decision made after consulting with his team about the medial meniscus tear in his right knee.
The injury raises concerns about his ability to compete at Wimbledon, starting on July 1. Djokovic had been managing knee discomfort for some time and had to take anti-inflammatory medication during his recent match against Francisco Cerundolo. After a fall, he experienced significant pain and expressed concerns about the court conditions.
Former British player Tim Henman expressed surprise at Djokovic’s withdrawal, given his history of playing through injuries. The injury’s seriousness, potentially requiring surgery, has led to speculation about Djokovic’s participation in Wimbledon, where he is a seven-time champion. His former coach, Boris Becker, also voiced concerns about Djokovic’s readiness for the grass-court season, emphasizing the necessity of healthy knees for the surface.
Djokovic’s commitment to recovery and past successes in overcoming injuries give hope for a possible return, but the upcoming Olympics and his desire for a gold medal add to the significance of his rehabilitation process. The tennis world awaits further updates on his condition and potential comeback.
