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Defending champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of French Open 2024 after he sustained a knee injury in the fourth round match against Francisco Cerundolo. Djokovic who registered his record 370th win in a Grand Slam match to qualify for the quarterfinals will not be taking on Casper Ruud.
“Due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee (discovered during an MRI scan), Djokovic, who was supposed to play Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals tomorrow, has been forced to withdraw from the Roland Garros tournament,” organisers said in a statement on June 4.
The withdrawal also meant an end to the Serbian's quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy. As a result, last year's runner-up Ruud will play in the semi-final clash on June 5. Ruud’s opponent will be the winner of clash between Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic’s knee injury aggravated during a marathon fourth round match against Cerundolo that lasted five sets in about four and a half hours. He beat world no.23 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
During the encounter, he was stumbling and limping around the court. received help from his trainer during the medical timeout. The trainer continued to work on the tweaked joint throughout the game. He took the maximum dosage of pills allowed by the tournament doctor to dull the pain and reduce any inflammation which helped him outlast the 25-year-old Argentine.
“I don't know what will happen tomorrow — or after tomorrow, if I'll be able to step out on the court and play,” the 37-year-old said on June 3. “You know, I hope so. Let's see what happens.”
After the win, Djokovic was not sure whether he will be able to go on in the tournament.
“I mean, today I injured myself. Yes, I survived. I won the match. Great. But will I be able to play next one?” he said, tapping his palms on a table for emphasis. “I don't know. I don't know the severity of the injury. But could have this injury be prevented? Possibly, if there was just a little bit more of a frequent care of the court during the set.”
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