'Will wait and see' - Novak Djokovic 'not sure' if he will be ready for quarter-final clash against Casper Ruud

Novak Djokovic has played two five-set matches in the last three days at the 2024 French Open.

Novak Djokovic has stated that he’s doubtful about playing in his quarter-final fixture against Casper Ruud on Wednesday at the French Open 2024.

The ATP World No. #1 defeated Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in a five-set marathon on Monday at Court Philippe-Chatrier in the fourth round of Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic played his second consecutive five-setter in three days in Paris.

ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic’s projected path to 2024 French Open final

Moreover, the Serb also slipped in the second set, which raised concerns about his health among tennis enthusiasts. The Serb also complained to the chair umpire about the court. Later, during the post-match press conference, he revealed that he has been suffering from a minor knee problem for the last few weeks.

Djokovic also stated that he has been taking painkillers for the issue, and they have resulted in side effects. Thus, stating all the issues, the Serb affirmed that his participation in the quarterfinals against Casper Ruud is doubtful.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek in stands to watch Rafael Nadal at 2024 French Open

The ATP World No. #1 said, “I have had a minor knee problem for a few weeks, but it is not a big deal. Then I slipped in the second set, and I felt pain. I took a lot of painkillers and they started to take effect at the end of the fourth. I don’t know if I will play in the quarterfinals, we will wait and see.”

If Novak Djokovic withdraws from the 2024 French Open, a new champion will be crowned in Paris, as none of the other seven players still in contention have won the prestigious Roland Garros title yet. Casper Ruud is a two-time runner-up, while Alexander Zverev has reached the semifinals of the tournament on three occasions.

In addition to these two names, the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will also be in contention for becoming the new French Open champion. Djokovic is yet to play a final in 2024, as he was eliminated in the semifinals of the Australian Open, the Monte Carlo Masters, and the Geneva Open.

However, after the conclusion of Roland Garros, the Wimbledon Championships as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics are also scheduled for July and August.

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