Casper Ruud recalls classy gesture from Novak Djokovic before French Open withdrawal

Casper Ruud lost out in the semi-finals of the 2024 French Open to Alexander Zverev but before that, he missed out on a reunion with Novak Djokovic who he famously got revenge on during the Monte-Carlo Masters.

This time though in the Quarter-Finals, it wasn't to be with Djokovic getting injured and suffering a meniscus tear which saw him need surgery and a withdrawal from the French Open. But Djokovic showed his class after he had to withdraw by texting Ruud with a classy gesture.

The two-time Roland Garros finalist said that Djokovic texted him when he decided not to play as he lauded the 24-time Grand Slam champion as a great guy and role model. He also wished him well in his recovery from a meniscus tear.

It is unknown as of yet how long Djokovic will be out. Surgery was successful with Hamburg potentially set to see his return. But at least in withdrawing, he showed that his class is very much still evident.

“He texted me the other day and just informed that he wasn’t going to be able to play so that was a nice gesture and wished me good luck," said Ruud to Eurosport.

“And you know, he’s a great guy, great athlete and he’s led the way for many, many other players and being a role model he always takes time for other players so I think in this aspect he’s great and everyone here including myself wishes him a speedy recovery.”

“I also read today that he had surgery so I hope it went well, I hope he can come back soon. He’s always missed when he can’t play,” Ruud added.

Next up for Ruud though unlike Djokoic potentially will be the grass. "I'm very pleased with how the season has been so far. In my game I've tried to make a few adjustments and improvements, and I think that they've come along pretty well," he told Tennis Channel.

"Still, there's a lot, a long way to go where I feel like I'm 100% satisfied, and I think that's a good thing. I don't feel like I'm complete yet as a player, very far from it. So I still have a lot of things to work on.

"But the season has been great, I would say, to sum it up. This result here in Paris is, in my eyes, a great result, and it was unfortunate and a pity today that it ended this way. But I consider it, let's say, the first half of the year very good, and I'm looking forward to having some time off.

"I think I have played maybe 50 matches already the first five months of the year. It's going to be nice with a few weeks off and then I'm looking forward to getting on the grass."