A Meniscus tear that led to knee injury has forced three times Roland Garros Champion, Novak Djokovic to opt out of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros’ Withdrawal: Everything You Need To Know 

Novak Djokovic’s run in Paris has come to an abrupt end. The Serb has confirmed that he is withdrawing from the Roland Garros tournament. Reason – a Meniscus tear that led to knee injury. He was due to play the Quarter-Final against Norwegian Casper Ruud. However, the 37-year-old never took to the court. 

“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from the #RolandGarros,” read Novak’s official statement.

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Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal meant Italian Jannik Sinner will now become the world number one player come Monday, June 10th. This comes as a triple blow for Djokovic’s fans.

First, the injury, second the French Open title defense, and now vacating the world number one spot. The injury looks really bad, at least for someone at 37. Remember, the great Roger Federer could never recover after suffering from them. 

Despite winning the Roland Garros title three times, Djokovic has always found clay courts to be challenging. This time, the challenge was on and off the court too.

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In the game against Francisco Cerundolo, Novak kept complaining to the chair umpire, the organisers, that the court is slippery. However, none of them heard his plea. The moment was recorded on camera, and the post went viral.

The Serb can be seen mocking the chair umpire and the on-court staff for continuing the match, despite unfavourable conditions. The result – Djokovic’s injury forced him to quit the Roland Garros, right at the business end.

What Happens When a Player Withdraws Due to Injury?
When a player withdraws from the French Open due to injury, the consequences are immediate and significant. In Djokovic’s case, he sustained the injury during his fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo. Despite efforts to continue, the pain and advice from doctors made it clear that he could not proceed. The tournament rules require an immediate withdrawal to protect the player’s health and ensure fair play for the remaining competitors. The audience could clearly see the disappointment on Djokovic’s face as he was forced to leave the court due to the injury. 

A Disastrous 2024 for Djokovic
The year 2024 has been tough so far for Djokovic. The French Open exit is his second Grand Slam loss of the year. The last time Djokovic faced such a challenging year was in 2017, when injuries plagued his performance and in 2022, when he missed tournaments due to not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

What is Meniscus Injury?
Djokovic withdrew due to a tear in the medial meniscus of his right knee. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that can cause severe pain when torn. This type of injury is common among athletes and can result from either a sudden event or gradual wear and tear. Treatment options vary, ranging from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear. Djokovic and his team are currently considering the best course of action.

What Djokovic and His Team Are Saying?
Djokovic’s team has expressed frustration over the court conditions at Roland Garros. The constant rain followed by quick shifts to dry conditions made the courts slippery, which Djokovic believes contributed to his injury. He confirmed on Instagram that the decision to withdraw was made after careful consideration and consultation with his team.

Implications for Djokovic and His Return
It is uncertain when Djokovic will return to tennis. Recovery from a meniscus tear can be lengthy, especially if surgery is required. Even if he recovers quickly, his performance might be affected. Djokovic’s focus will likely be on the upcoming Wimbledon and the Olympics, where he hopes to win his first gold medal.

Impact on the French Open
Djokovic’s exit leaves the top half of the draw wide open, giving players like Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Alex de Minaur a better chance to advance. For the first time since 2016, there will be a new winner of the French Open. Jannik Sinner is set to become the new ATP Tour world No. 1, achieving this milestone for the first time in his career.

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Challenges for the French Open Organizers
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) faces criticism for the court conditions. Djokovic’s camp has expressed strong feelings about the lack of response to the dangerous playing conditions. The tournament must handle the potential PR nightmare if Zverev, who is facing legal issues, wins the championship.

What the Players Think?
Djokovic’s withdrawal has disrupted the tournament schedule, affecting players and spectators. Some argue for the reinstatement of Francisco Cerundolo, the player Djokovic defeated, to maintain the tournament’s integrity. However, this idea is controversial, as it contradicts the principle that matches are decided by performance on the court.

Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from Roland Garros due to a torn meniscus has far-reaching implications for him, the tournament and the sport. As he focuses on recovery, the tennis world eagerly awaits his return and the resolution of the current French Open.

Will Djokovic manage to recover on time for the Wimbledon in July?

The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye

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