"This is bad news for all Djokovic fans" - Boris Becker on Djokovic's heartbreaking withdrawal from Roland Garros
ATPWednesday, 05 June 2024 at 04:00
Following the news that Novak Djokovic will be withdrawing from this year's Roland Garros, former World No.1 Boris Becker has expressed his shock and disappointment at the Serbian's misfortune.
Djokovic survived a thrilling marathon match against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16, relying on his infamous grit and determination to push through in five sets. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion appears to have paid the price for his perseverance, as the following day he announced his withdrawal from the French Open due to a right knee injury sustained during the match.
Eurosport analyst Becker was left stunned by the shocking news. The German who has coached Djokovic in the past, expressed his dismay at the news and wished the Serbian a speedy recovery.
"This is bad news for all Djokovic fans, and I'm one of them," Becker told Eurosport Germany. "You could almost guess it after the match against Cerundolo, which he played with a limp.
"The painkillers made the fifth set easier, but he had already warned that evening what the next morning would be like. He already had knee problems at the last few tournaments but never spoke about them. That's obviously very bitter for him. I wish him a speedy recovery so that he is fit again for the grass-court season.
"It's a serious injury and it won't go away tomorrow. That leaves me a bit speechless. You need your knees on grass, you really do slip all the time. A torn medial meniscus is a serious injury and the question naturally arises as to whether surgery is necessary."
"The painkillers made the fifth set easier, but he had already warned that evening what the next morning would be like. He already had knee problems at the last few tournaments but never spoke about them. That's obviously very bitter for him. I wish him a speedy recovery so that he is fit again for the grass-court season.
"It's a serious injury and it won't go away tomorrow. That leaves me a bit speechless. You need your knees on grass, you really do slip all the time. A torn medial meniscus is a serious injury and the question naturally arises as to whether surgery is necessary."
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