The men’s singles bracket at the French Open was already full of questions. There are more questions after news hit today that Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury. He sustained the injury in his thrilling five-set victory on Monday. This is a huge disappointment for fans as Djokovic is chasing history with major tournaments.
Novak Djokovic Withdraws From French Open
Novak Djokovic gutted out the pain in a 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory over Francisco Cerúndolo at the French Open on Monday. That victory was important as it broke Roger Federer’s record for most wins at major tournaments. However, it came at a cost. He had knee pain and had to get medication to help with the pain. The world’s number-one player wasn’t sure he was going to be able to complete the match.
“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 … I’m glad that I was able to play the fifth set and the last three or four games of the fourth without feeling that pain that I felt for two and a half sets, but you never know what will happen tomorrow.”
While Novak Djokovic was able to play through the pain once, he is not risking further injury. This brings into question the schedule the French Open has for the players.
Brutal Schedule
John McEnroe blasted the “absurd” schedule the French Open has. Novak Djokovic was scheduled to play tomorrow after back-to-back five-set matches. While part of a tennis tournament is having the stamina to win, it cannot be at the risk of injury. Djokovic also mentioned that the court was a factor, and he asked the chair umpire to help but was denied.
“I’ve had a conversation with the chair umpire where I just asked would it be possible to sweep the court – I understand not every changeover – but every second, every third changeover? Not to wait for a set to finish but to have slightly more frequent care of the court … The answer was no.
“Could this injury have been prevented?” he added. “Possibly, if there was just a little bit more frequent care of the court during the set. That’s basically all I asked for.”
There will be much discussion about Novak Djokovic and the French Open over the next few weeks. Depending on the injury’s severity, Wimbledon may also be in jeopardy.
About The Author
Matt Brown is one of the owners at Total Apex. He has been writing about sports and entertainment for over two years and currently works as a banker in Wisconsin. His passion for sports and entertainment knows no bounds, but football is the sport he follows most closely. However, he is never afraid to branch out, and you will see him talk about anything sports with anyone who will listen. Being a former Disney Store cast member, he will talk your ear off on anything Disney.
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