Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-equalling 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open has hit a major hurdle after he sustained a knee injury during his grueling fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo. The epic encounter, lasting four hours and 39 minutes, became the longest Roland Garros match of Djokovic’s career.
Lingering Knee Issue Worsens During Match
Djokovic revealed that the knee had been bothering him for a couple of weeks. However, the problem escalated when he slipped on court at the beginning of the second set. The 37-year-old visibly struggled throughout the match, grimacing in pain and requiring multiple medical timeouts. He was even overheard telling the physiotherapist, “I screwed up my knee. I’m slipping and sliding all the time.”
Temporary Relief from Medication, But Uncertainty Looms
Despite the pain, Djokovic managed to secure a win after taking medication during the match. However, the medication effects are temporary, leaving his participation in the upcoming quarter-final against Casper Ruud, a rematch of last year’s final, in serious doubt.
“The whole fifth set was almost without any pain, which is great. But the effect of the medications will not last for too long, so I’ll see,” said a cautious Djokovic.
Tests Scheduled to Determine Djokovic’s Fate
Doctors will conduct further tests to determine the severity of the injury. “We’ve done some with the doctor now. Some positive news but also some concerns, so let’s see tomorrow,” Djokovic shared, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his participation.
“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow – or after tomorrow, if I’ll be able to step out on the court and play. You know, I hope so. Let’s see what happens.”
Djokovic Points Finger at Slippery Court Conditions
Djokovic believes the court conditions played a significant role in his injury. The drier weather following a period of rain had made the clay surface slippery, causing him to slip and slide more than usual. “The injury that I had today with the knee happened exactly because of that,” he stated. Djokovic’s team is reportedly in discussions with tournament officials regarding court maintenance practices.
Grass-Court Season and Wimbledon Beckon
While Djokovic’s French Open future hangs in the balance, tennis fans can look forward to the upcoming grass-court season, culminating in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships. Sky Sports will provide live coverage, featuring all the biggest stars vying for the coveted title.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Novak Djokovic’s French Open title defense hangs in the balance due to a knee injury sustained during his hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo. The severity of the injury remains unknown, with tests scheduled to determine if he can participate in the upcoming quarter-final against Casper Ruud. Djokovic’s potential absence would be a major blow to the tournament.
But tennis fans can still look forward to the upcoming grass-court season, with Wimbledon on the horizon. Djokovic’s battle against injury has become another captivating chapter in his illustrious career, leaving the tennis world eagerly awaiting news on his recovery and his chances of adding another Grand Slam title to his collection
