The French Open never fails to throw up surprises, does it? With an action-packed event catching the sporting world’s attention, there has been a massive shift in dynamics on every front. One such aspect is the players’ rankings which see huge shifts as the tournament progresses. The men’s tour will get its new World Number 1 as Jannik Sinner is set to dethrone Novak Djokovic after the tournament.

Earlier today, Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the French Open owing to a knee injury. The Serb was defending his title in Paris but will lose a significant number of points after pulling out in the quarterfinals. However, Djokovic’s loss is Sinner’s gain. The Italian star will move to the top for the first time in his career, becoming the first Italian to do so.

Moreover, Sinner is just 22 years old when achieving this feat and couldn’t control his emotions during the post-match interview after his quarterfinal victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Expressing his feelings on achieving this feat, Sinner said, “First Italian ever to be world No 1? First of all, it’s everyone’s dream. It’s a special moment but it’s great for me to share it with the fans. Let’s see on Friday what I can do.”

He later added that this was not how he imagined his rise to the top. “It’s for sure not the way I wanted to become No. 1, with Novak retiring, but in another way, the last period I’ve played some really good tennis and I’m happy to be in the position. It’s something new coming up for me and something good, so I’m very happy.”

While the raw emotions were on display after Sinner is set to become the new World Number 1, the Italian star also showed why he is a true gentleman. During the same interview, he wished Djokovic a speedy recovery from his knee injury.

Jannik Sinner disappointed with Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal

The Serb played two back-to-back marathon matches in the third and the fourth rounds of the French Open. It eventually took a toll on his body and Djokovic was seen struggling during his match against Fransisco Cerundolo yesterday. He even took a medical timeout and called the physio to have a look at his knee which was hurting.

Further, after the match, Djokovic had scans on his knee which didn’t reveal a positive story and forced Djokovic to pull out of the tournament. However, Djokovic’s withdrawal has left Sinner saddened.

The Italian star revealed, “In the other way, seeing Novak retiring here, I think it’s for everyone disappointing so I wish him a speedy recovery.”

While Djokovic will look to come back stronger in the grass-court season, Sinner will play his semifinal match at the French Open. The Italian star will take on the winner of the match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz.