“At one point, I didn’t know…” Novak Djokovic reveals how he battled through knee injury to win against Francisco Cerundolo in epic Roland Garros encounter

Djokovic had an eventful fourth round match, consisting of some falls and medical time-outs.

“At one point, I didn’t know…” Novak Djokovic reveals how he battled through knee injury to win against Francisco Cerundolo in epic Roland Garros encounter

Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives medical treatment during the ninth day of Roland-Garros 2024 (Via Imago)

There were crazy scenes at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic might have injured himself while attempting a shot. For the first time in a while, the Serbian revealed that he considered leaving the match midway. The incident occurred in the fourth round of the French Open, where Djokovic had gotten off to a flying start but was denied a comfortable victory after his fall.

The Serbian had a bad fall in the third game of the second set and had called for a lengthy medical timeout. He revealed later on that he was dealing with a lot of knee pain and this just made it worse. However, after the medical timeout, Djokovic was still in pain and barely went for the drop shots or slices.

YouTube video

Soon, his opponent, Francisco Cerundolo, started to take major advantage of the situation and went up two sets, a formidable lead against one of the best in the business. Despite taking many painkillers, the Serbian had struggled with his movement, which eventually got better. Djokovic opened up about this in his post match press conference.

FS Video
And that really disturbed me in the game. For two sets, two and a half sets, I didn't want to drag on in the rallies. Every time he made a drop shot or suddenly changed positions. direction, I didn't feel comfortable running at a certain point, I didn't know, to be honest, if 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.
Novak Djokovic said via Roland Garros Press

By the end of the fourth set, Djokovic started to move better, and the points came flowing in. He survived that set by the whiskers and soon got back into his rhythm to win the match 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. A much-needed victory for the World No.1.

Novak Djokovic unhappy with the supervisors after suffering a bad fall in his match

Novak Djokovic has had a history of feuds with the match officials and the fans got to witness another one last night when the Serbian had a bad fall. As an athlete who likes everything in place, the Serbian was extremely disappointed with the French Open organizers.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago) 
Great job. You know better than us. It’s not slippery at all. Not dangerous at all. Well done supervisor and everyone. Ground staff, well done.
Novak Djokovic was heard saying after the fall

According to him, the conditions were dry and humid, making it more difficult to play on, especially with his knee pain. Nonetheless, he made it through and has entered the quarterfinals of the clay Grand Slam. Djokovic will now take on Casper Ruud in the next game.

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