Novak Djokovic makes bombshell French Open announcement

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from his French Open quarter-final against Casper Ruud due to a right knee injury.

The world No 1 was visibly struggling in his fourth round match against Fransisco Cerundolo but rallied from two sets to one down – and a break down in the fourth set – to reach the last eight.

It was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the Serbian, the defending champion in Paris and three-time winner overall, was pulling out from the tournament due to a meniscus tear.

His withdrawal means that Casper Ruud – who he beat in the final 12 months ago – will receive a walkover into the last four.

But, most significantly, it means that he will lose his world No 1 ranking next Monday, with Jannik Sinner now guaranteed to rise to the top spot no matter how he fares throughout the remainder of his French Open campaign.

Doubts about Djokovic’s fitness were first revealed after his five-set victory over Lorenzo Musetti – a match that did not finish until past 3am after the Serbian completed his first comeback from two sets to one down.

And after struggling past Cerundolo on Court Philippe Chatrier – just 36 hours after his historic late finish – he cast doubt on whether he would be able to play.

He was also critical of the condition of the Philippe Chatrier, after appearing to slip and either cause – or worsen – a physical issue.

Djokovic said: “Today I injured myself. I survived. I won the match. Great. But will I be able to play next one? I don’t know.

“I don’t know the severity of the injury. But could have this injury be prevented? Possibly, if there was just a little bit more of frequent care of the court during the set.”

“At one point I didn’t know, to be honest, whether I should continue or not with what’s happening. I got the medications, and then after the third set was done, I asked for more medications, and I got them.”

All eyes will now be on who Ruud meets in the last four, with the Norwegian now looking for a third straight final in Paris.

He will not play until his semi-final on Friday, where he will take on Alexander Zverev or Alex de Minaur.

Focus will also now turn to whether Djokovic will be fit for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, which are being held at Roland Garros.

The world No 1 has won seven titles at SW19, and Olympic gold is one of the few things missing from his incredible silverware collection.

Djokovic will likely be a doubt for both events now.

Novak Djokovic makes worrying fitness confession after injury scare during epic French Open Houdini act