Novak Djokovic retires from Roland Garros: Jannik Sinner will be the new world No. 1

Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal paves the way for Jannik Sinner

Day of headline news, one consequential to another, at Roland Garros: it all begins with the announcement of Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the competition, who has not overcome the knee problems already felt during previous matches and has therefore decided to raise the white flag.

As a consequence, there will be a change at the top of the world rankings from Monday: since he can no longer reach the final, Djokovic will leave the scepter of world No. 1 to Jannik Sinner, regardless of how the South Tyrolean’s tournament ends. Sinner will thus be the first Italian ever to top a world ranking, male or female.

This is the brief official note issued by the organizers of the Paris slam tournament: "Novak Djokovic has è withdrawn from Roland Garros due to a right knee injury. We wish him a speedy recovery". The Serb had beaten Herbert, Carballes Baena, Musetti and Cerundolo, suffering physically especially against the Argentinian.

Already after the match played on Monday, he had announced that he would take a day to decide what to do, having felt a rather strong discomfort. Today, the choice was made not to risk it, leaving Ruud to qualify for the semifinals and Sinner to top the ATP rankings.