Novak Djokovic says his French Open semi-final defeat against world No 1 Jannik Sinner could have been his “last match” at Roland-Garros.
Djokovic came up short in his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title as Sinner reached his first French Open final.
Djokovic, who turned 38 last month, was bidding to become the oldest winner of a major title. But in Sinner – 15 years his junior – the Serbian was essentially playing a younger, fitter version of himself.
It was a high-calibre contest befitting a semi-final between the current world’s best player and arguably the greatest of all time. But Sinner won the big moments and came out on top with a 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory.
“This could have been the last match ever I played here. I don’t know,” said Djokovic, who took the time to put his bag down and applaud all sides of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“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.”
He kissed his hand after the defeat, then put it on the clay, as if saying farewell to the French Open. He pulled his bags up, looked high up into the stands, and headed down to the tunnel.
Djokovic said he was planning to play at Wimbledon later this month as well as the US Open starting in August with his focus firmly on the Grand Slams.
He refused, however, to commit to any tournaments beyond those two at this stage.
“I don’t know what tomorrow brings in my career. Wimbledon is next. Twelve months at this point in my career is a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes I do. But will I be able to play here in 12 months’ time, I don’t know,” he added.
Djokovic last lifted the Musketeers’ Cup at the French Open in 2023.
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