Novak Djokovic has admitted his 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the French Open could be the last match he ever plays at Roland Garros. Djokovic turned 38 last month and the Serbian has hinted that retirement could be on the cards.
He was hoping to win a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles title in Paris, but world No. 1 Sinner got the better of him in straight sets. Speaking after the defeat, Djokovic said he plans to compete at Wimbledon and the US Open later this year but is unsure of his long-term future.
“This could have been the last match I played here, so I don’t know,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.
“I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I’m going to ‘keep on keeping on’. Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do.
“But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know. Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in my plans. That’s all I can say right now. But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I’m not so sure.”
Djokovic also congratulated Sinner on his victory and thanked the crowd for their support, adding: “I don’t think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world.
“So very, very honoured to experience that. Not the happiest because of the loss, but I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd, because they were terrific in the moments when it seemed like it was going all of his way.
“Then they would lift me up and encourage me and give me strength to keep going and fight to the last ball, which I did. Congratulations to Jannik for another very good and solid performance. He showed why he’s No. 1 in the world. He was just too solid tonight.”
Sinner will now face Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday and the Italian says he hopes that Djokovic continues to play. “First of all, we hope that it’s not the case, because I feel like tennis needs him,” he said when asked about Djokovic’s comments.
“Having someone different than the younger guys and my point of view, it’s so nice and amazing to see him in the locker room, and then having this energy of everything. I saw him practicing yesterday, you know, or couple of days ago.
“He’s very precise in everything he does. It’s a true role model for all of us. But if that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this, because it’s a part of history also. But let’s hope that’s not the case, no? He said ‘maybe’ so you never know.”
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