Tennis: Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the French Open after hurting his right knee in an epic last 16 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo. This means Italy’s Jannik Sinner automatically becomes world no 1 in his place.
Sinner, 22, from the South Tyrol, beat Djokovic on his way to the Australian Open title in January. He would have become world no. 1 regardless of Djokovic’s results, if he had made the final of the French Open.
“I’m very happy,” the 22-year-old South Tyrolean told a press conference in Paris after beating Grigor Dimitrov to set up a French Open semi against no.3 seed Carlos Alcaraz.
“Happy to have this number in the ranking, there’s so much work behind it.
“In two days there’s an important match, the semi-final of the Roland Garros, I’m very focused on this, but I’m happy.
“(How does it feel like being) the first Italian number one? I think it’s a great thing for Italy.
“Thank you to my team who made all this possible,” said the reigning Australian Open champion.
“I’m happy to play here, it’s a special moment for me, I’m really happy to share it with you and those who are following me from Italy on the TV”.
Sinner is the first Italian to get to world number one.
Big day for Jasmine Paolini
In the women’s tournament, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini will be facing no.4 seed Elen Rybakina, who now plays for Kazhakstan.
This is Paolini’s first grand slam quarter final and at stake is a place in the semis against either no.2 seed Sabalenka or Andreeva.
Paolini is also due on court today in the women’s doubles with fellow Italian Sara Errani. The Italian duo, who won the Italian Open last month, are seeded eleven and will face Emma Navarro and Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals.
