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Novak Djokovic withdraws from French Open

The defending champion suffered a knee injury in Monday’s win over Francisco Cerundolo

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic limps during his win over Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the men's singles fourth round match at the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros on Monday. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the French Open due to a knee injury.

The world number one suffered the injury to his right knee during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo on Monday.

Djokovic revealed after the match that he would undergo a scan on Tuesday to determine whether he would be able to continue at the tournament.

The MRI scan has subsequently shown the 37-year-old tore the medial meniscus in his right knee, forcing him out of the grand slam.

Roland Garros organisers said: “Due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee (discovered during an MRI scan performed today), Novak Djokovic, who was supposed to play Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals tomorrow, has been forced to withdraw from the Roland-Garros tournament.”

Norwegian seventh seed Ruud will therefore progress straight to the semi-finals.

Djokovic’s withdrawal also means Italian Jannik Sinner will become world number one at the end of the tournament.