Arthur Rinderknech decided that he was unable to continue competing, despite winning the second set of his match against Vit Kopriva at the Madrid Open.
Rinderknech reached the final of the Shanghai Masters last year, where he was beaten by his cousin Valentin Vacherot.
The Frenchman has subsequently elevated in status on the ATP Tour, with Rinderknech perhaps sensing another opportunity in Madrid for his third round match against world number 66 Kopriva.
After losing the first set, Rinderknech appeared to be turning the match around, but then retired following winning the second set.
Arthur Rinderknech says he felt a ‘stabbing pain’ in his left calf
Rinderknech spoke to L’Equipe after retiring from the match, revealing that he felt a ‘stabbing pain’ in his left calf.
When asked about his decision to retire, Rinderknech explained that it would not have been a ‘sensible’ decision to play another set with the injury in his leg.
“I managed to win the point, but almost immediately, I knew I’d pulled a bit,” said Rinderknech. “After that, I obviously couldn’t put any weight on my leg.”
The world number 26 continued, “If it had been three games from the end, like I managed to do at the end of the second, I might have held my serve or won the match, but it wasn’t sensible given the upcoming challenges.
“And anyway, considering what I still needed to do in the match to win, continuing would have risked making things worse.”
Despite a disappointing end to the Madrid Open for Rinderknech, he did provide some hope ahead of the French Open.
Rinderknech said, “I’ll know soon enough what the situation is. I’m hopeful.”
How would you solve the tennis injury crisis?
What is next for Arthur Rinderknech?
Rinderknech is now expected to undergo a scan on his leg, with less than four weeks until his home major at the French Open.
The 30-year-old is still entered into two tournaments ahead of the French Open, with Rinderknech also scheduled to play in Rome and Geneva.
Rinderknech played both tournaments last year, but is only defending 35 points after winning just one match across both events.
Will Jannik Sinner win the French Open?
As a result, Rinderknech will not feel as pressured to play those tournaments, as he will be seeded for the French Open regardless.
Rinderknech has never surpassed the second round of the French Open before, but this will be the first year that he is seeded at his home Grand Slam.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
