Djokovic pulls out with knee injury, Sinner to be new no. 1

Novak Djokovic’s worst fears materialised as a knee injury forced him out of the French Open on Tuesday. World No. 1 and 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic withdrew ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a “medial meniscus tear” in his right knee.

The 37-year-old Djokovic had blamed the “slippery” Roland Garros courts for aggravating the problem during his last-16 win on Monday. “I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “My team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.”

Ruud, who lost to Djokovic in last year’s final, will receive a walkover and play Alexander Zverev or Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals on Friday. Djokovic’s injury-enforced exit from the tournament also means that Jannik Sinner will become Italy’s first number one in the sport next week. In addition it paves the way for a new name on the men’s French Open trophy.


SWIATEK VS GAUFF
Defending champion Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff will meet in the French Open semifinals after victories. No. 3 seed Gauff came back to defeat Ons Jabeur 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the semifinals at a third consecutive Grand Slam tournament. No. 1 Swiatek followed in Court Philippe Chatrier with a 6-0, 6-2 victory against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova to stretch her Roland Garros winning streak to 19 matches as she seeks a third trophy in a row in Paris and fourth in five years.