Reigning champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open 2024 with a knee injury the top seed sustained in his gruelling fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Djokovic, who complained about the slippery court surface during a five-set match lasting almost five hours, had a scan on his right knee on Tuesday before making the decision.
Organisers announced Djokovic’s exit on social media, wishing the 37-year-old a “speedy recovery” alongside a heart emoji.
Djokovic has withdrawn from Roland-Garros due to a right knee injury.
Wishing Novak a speedy recovery 🧡 PIC.TWITTER.COM/ILB6HYNTZW
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) JUNE 4, 2024
Three-time Roland Garros champion Djokovic had been set to face Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals as his pursuit continued of a 25th Grand Slam title, breaking Margaret Court’s all-time record.
He also endured a marathon match in his third-round win over Lorenzo Musetti, which finished after 3am.
“I’m going to have to switch all of my young genes and try and recover as quick as possible,” Djokovic said afterwards.
Read our other sports news stories:
Jefferson signs ‘record’ deal
Deontay Wilder to retire?
Could Zeki Amdouni’s Switzerland Be a Surprise Package at Euro 2024?
Djokovic withdraws from French Open 2024
Known for his immense fitness and powers of recovery, Djokovic had treatment three times in quick succession against Cerundolo.
The Argentinian world number 27 had been closing in on a shock victory at a set ahead and 4-2 in front in the fourth set.
Current world number one Djokovic had appeared to be slowing but recovered in style to take the next two sets for victory.
That winning feeling – 370th Grand Slam match win edition 🙌#ROLANDGARROS PIC.TWITTER.COM/LGHRTD9UGF
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) JUNE 3, 2024
Djokovic had celebrated his win and looked ahead to his match with Ruud in social media posts on Monday.
His withdrawal means neither Djokovic nor Rafael Nadal will be the French Open men’s singles champion for the first time since Stan Wawrinka triumphed in 2015.
Nadal’s 14 wins make him the most successful player in the history of the tournament but the Spaniard’s first-round defeat to Alex Zverev this year is expected to prove his last appearance in Paris before retiring.
