Novak Djokovic has taken to social media to thank his supporters after he withdrew from the French Open on Tuesday because of a meniscus tear in his right knee. Djokovic appeared to aggravate the injury during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo on Monday. Djokovic said he had to make the “tough decision” to withdraw from the French Open as he was chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic has thanked his supporters after withdrawing from the French Open due to a knee injury.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has exited the competition after a scan confirmed a meniscus tear in his right knee during his five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals.

Tournament organisers announced Djokovic’s withdrawal on Tuesday before Djokovic posted a message of his own to social media.

“I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from Roland Garros,” the 37-year-old wrote in a post on Instagram.

“I played with my heart and gave my all in yesterday’s match and unfortunately, due to a medial meniscus tear in my right knee, my team and I had to make a tough decision after careful consideration and consultation.

“I wish the best of luck to the players competing this week and sincerely thank the incredible fans for all the love and continued support. See you soon.

“With love and gratitude, Nole”

Djokovic was involved in tense discussions with the umpire and a supervisor over court conditions during his four hours and 39 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

He felt the court was slippery and added after the match in his press conference that the on-court conditions were “not common”.

Eurosport tennis experts Mats Wilander, Alex Corretja and Tim Henman admitted their surprise at Djokovic’s sudden withdrawal from the French Open

Boris Becker, who coached Djokovic earlier in his career and remains a big supporter of his, expressed his dismay at the news as he gave his reaction.

“This is bad news for all Djokovic fans, and I’m one of them,” Becker told Eurosport Germany.

“You could almost guess it after the match against Cerundolo, which he played with a limp.

“The painkillers made the fifth set easier, but he had already warned that evening what the next morning would be like. He already had knee problems at the last few tournaments but never spoke about them.

“That’s obviously very bitter for him. I wish him a speedy recovery so that he is fit again for the grass-court season.”