By Victor Kanayo
Defending champion, Novak Djokovic, has withdrawn from the ongoing French Open due to injury.
Disclosing this via his Instagram page, Djokovic said, “I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros. I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterday’s match and unfortunately…my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”
The tournament organisers have also confirmed the withdrawal of the Serbian who suffered the injury against Francisco Cerundolo in his previous (quarter-final) match, battled back in dramatic fashion to win in five epic sets.
Djokovic’s withdrawal means that his opponent Ruud has automatimally progressed to the semi-final.
The Serb’s early exit also means Jannik Sinner becomes the new No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time.
The 22-year-old is the first Italian male in tennis history to become a world No. 1.
In the women’s fixtures, Iga Swiatek crushed Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2 and in Thursday’s semi-final she will play Coco Gauff, who came from a set down to beat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
