World number one Novak Djokovic is withdrawing from the French Open due to an injury. The announcement means that world number two Casper Ruud will go straight to the semifinal.
"Due to a medial meniscal injury in his right knee, Novak Djokovic has been forced to withdraw from the Roland-Garros tournament", the organizer writes in a press release.
Later, the star wrote on Instagram that the decision was "tough to take".
"I'm really sorry to have to announce that I have to withdraw."
"I wish the players competing this week good luck and thank the incredible fans for all the love and continued support."
Serb Djokovic was scheduled to face Norwegian Casper Ruud on Wednesday. The 24-time Grand Slam winner has complained of knee problems in recent weeks. During the eighth-final match against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, he twisted his knee, which fueled speculation that the quarterfinal was at risk.
The announcement means that Jannik Sinner, the first Italian ever, will take over the number one spot on the world ranking next week. Australian Open winner Sinner is also qualified for the semifinal in Paris, after 6–2, 6–4, 7–6 (7–3) against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
