WATCH: “I think its disappointing,” Jannik Sinner shares a heartfelt message to Novak Djokovic as the Serb’s withdrawal makes sure he becomes the new World No.1

Sinner is the unofficial World No.1 after Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw from French Open.

WATCH: “I think its disappointing,” Jannik Sinner shares a heartfelt message to Novak Djokovic as the Serb’s withdrawal makes sure he becomes the new World No.1

Jannik Sinner shares a heartfelt message to Novak Djokovic (Via Imago/screengrab X)

Disappointing news for Roland Garros as defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury. He suffered the injury during his fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo after a nasty fall.

It was just until a few hours ago when his MRI scans came out and the Serbian was forced to withdraw due to a tear on his right knee, giving a free pass to Casper Ruud to move straight to the semi-finals.

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However, with this, Djokovic also lost his position as World No.1 to Jannik Sinner, who is unofficially at the top of the ranking system. The Italian recently played his quarter-final match against Grigor Dimitrov and won that in style to secure a place in the top-4. After the match, he was informed about Djokovic’s withdrawal and his position as World No.1.

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What can I say. First of all it is every player's dream to become No. 1 in the world. In the other way, seeing Novak retiring here I think is disappointing. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Jannik Sinner said in his on-court interview

Sinner pimped Dimitrov in straights to secure yet another commanding victory. At the start of the tournament, there was a lot of doubt around Sinner’s performance given his back injury, but the Italian has not let those get to his head and played his usual game.

Jannik Sinner praises Grigor Dimitrov after their quarter-final match

Jannik Sinner is having a wonderful year so far. From his first Grand Slam to a career-high ranking of World no.1, the Italian is the main headline of every tournament. Additionally, he extended his impressive record in 2024 by reaching his highest-ever stage at the French Open.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via Imago)

For the first time, Sinner has made it to the semi-finals of the French Open and seems more confident than ever to try and win the tournament. Throughout the match against Dimitrov, the Italian struck 29 winners and broke Dimitrov’s serve four times to finally win 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(3).

My performance was very solid, especially the first two sets. I had a little bit of pressure when serving for the match, but this is normal, this is tennis. I am happy with how I played later and to be in the semis.
Jannik Sinner said after the match

Now, the Italian is in the semi-finals and will soon face two time Majors winner Carlos Alcaraz. That is a match the tennis fans are waiting for. Although Alcaraz got the better of Sinner the first time this year, the new World No. 1 will be itching for redemption.

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