French Open 2011: Novak Djokovic Surely Has One Foot in the Final

As if Novak Djokovc's proposed route to the French Open title wasn't already sugar-coated, he's got the cherry on top of the cake.

His next opponent, Italian Fabio Fognini, pulled out yesterday of his quarter final match against the Serb world No. 2.

Speaking at a press conference where he announced his withdrawal, Fognini said: "The doctors say if I play tomorrow maybe it can be dangerous. I'm not really happy right now, It's the best tournament of my career."

The injury was apparently sustained during his fourth round match against Albert Montanes of Spain.

In reaching the quarterfinals this year, Fognini became the first Italian male tennis player to reach this stage of the tournament since 1995, and the first to make it this far at a Grand Slam event in 13 years.

Domino Effect?

This withdrawal comes as great news for Novak Djokovic who has had to play three matches over the last three days.

Novak Djokovic's unbeaten streak currently stands at 41 since the start of the year, but he will not be credited with a victory over Fognini because the Italian withdrew.

Djokovic's next opponent will be the winner of the Gael Monfils-Roger Federer quarterfinal match—a match that were he to win, would draw him level with John McEnroe's record of 42 straight wins for the best start to a season.

Resolve?

Any doubters of Novak Djokovic, who may have felt that Roger Federer could take him on and defeat him, may have to reconsider that stance.