Jannik Sinner took an unexpected path to the world No.1 ranking on Tuesday after Novak Djokovic’s French Open withdrawal but the youngster said it was the culmination of years of hard work and represented a proud moment for Italy.

Sinner arrived at Roland Garros needing to reach the final to assure himself of the top spot next week but got confirmation when organisers announced that Djokovic had pulled out with a knee injury sustained in his fourth-round win on Monday.

It meant the 22-year-old, who was informed of the news shortly after his 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) quarter-final win over Grigor Dimitrov, becomes the first Italian man to achieve the feat.

“It means a lot to me for sure. It’s not the way we all were expecting. He (Djokovic) had two long, tough matches, five sets, so it’s tough. The first one he finished really late also,” Sinner told reporters.

“It’s tough also for the tournament. Novak retiring, it’s always tough. Talking about myself, I’m very happy about this achievement. It’s a lot of work we put in daily. It’s a daily routine. Obviously happy to have this number.

“In two days there’s a very important match for me, the semi-finals (against Casper Ruud), so I’m focused about that at the moment. But yes, happy to have this number now.”

Sinner, who guided Italy to the Davis Cup title last year, said the country deserved its recent successes. “It means a lot, but I think it’s great for Italy. We’re a great country with great coaches and players,” Sinner said.

“I’m happy to be part of this Italian movement. People, they start to play tennis now more and more, which is great to see.”

Sinner’s game has moved to another level since he started to work with Darren Cahill, who helped him win his maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open.

Reuters