Novak Djokovic urged to retire after pulling out of French Open injured

Novak Djokovic has been urged to retire by Express Sport readers after pulling out of the French Open ahead of his quarter-final showdown with Casper Ruud. The 37-year-old aggravated a knee issue during his five-set thriller with Francisco Cerundolo in the last 16 after being forced to play until 3.07am.

Djokovic is one of the greatest players to ever set foot on a tennis court and has won a record 24 men’s Grand Slam titles.

He would have fancied his chances of extending that run at this year’s Roland Garros after battling his way through to the last eight. But instead of taking to the court against Ruud, he underwent an operation to mend a medial meniscus ligament tear.

Djokovic has managed his body well since landing a place on the ATP Tour. But his two decades at the top level may now be catching up with the Serbian. And our readers have had their say.

We asked Express Sport readers whether they thought Djokovic should call time on his playing career at the end of the year. And 56 per cent of the people who responded said he should.

If Djokovic heeds their advice, it would mean he only has two more Grand Slams left in him, with Wimbledon set to get underway at the start of July, before the US Open starts at the end of August. The blockbuster star will also be eyeing up a place at the Paris Olympics, which is scheduled to begin at the end of July.

Djokovic took to Instagram following his knee surgery to post an image of himself on crutches standing alongside friends, family and team members.

And the ace wrote: “In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match. I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well.

“I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.

“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo.”

Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe then even suggested his injury was down to French Open organisers for their scheduling.

“It was horrible, it was a joke,” the American told discovery+. “It's a black eye for our sport. It doesn't shine too good a light on the schedule, which was a joke that they put him out [to start] at 10.30pm on Saturday. He'd talked about the knee issue before the tournament. That couldn't have helped. And it goes to three in the morning. Absurd.”