• French Open

Djokovic into semis as injured Fognini pulls out

ESPN staff
May 30, 2011
Novak Djokovic posted his sympathy for Fabio Fognini © PA Photos
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Novak Djokovic has been handed the ideal preparation for an assault on the French Open championship, after he was gifted a place in the semi-finals.

Djokovic had been set to face Fabio Fognini in the last eight, but the Italian has withdrawn due to a torn thigh muscle. The showdown with the world's most in-form player would have been Fognini's maiden grand slam quarter-final.

Monday's news means Djokovic will now get to rest his body at a crucial time of the season, having won 41 consecutive matches since the turn of the year. The Serb is currently on course for a potential meeting with Roger Federer in the last four, and he will face the Swiss in prime condition.

Fognini explained: "It's the most difficult decision I've made. It was my first grand slam quarter-final and I am playing the best tennis of my career. However, this was the best decision.

"I was crying last night. I had the treatment and I decided to retire. I had another scan this morning and we knew that to play would aggravate the injury to the left thigh. It was too risky. But this is sport, this is tennis."

Djokovic responded to the news by writing on Twitter: "Walkover from Fognini. Bad luck for him, hope he recovers fast. Today I get to enjoy Paris in a different way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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