It is no secret Novak Djokovic is nearing the tip of his good profession, however the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell tour is perhaps unfolding as we communicate.
Djokovic, 38, admittedly said he pondered the “end of the road” before the start of the French Open throughout a legacy occasion for 14-time clay champion Rafael Nadal, however his phrases after falling to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner within the semifinals felt like greater than a consideration for the Serbian star.
“This might have been the final match ever I performed right here, so I do not know. That is why I used to be a bit extra emotional even ultimately,” Djokovic told the media. “If this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my profession, it was an exquisite one when it comes to the ambiance and what I acquired from the gang. Do I want to play extra? Sure, I do. However will I have the ability to play in 12 months’ time right here once more? I do not know. That is all I can say for the second.”
The expertise hole between Djokovic, the lone lively participant remaining from the ‘Large Three,’ and the sport’s elite is rising regardless of his present No. 5 world rating. Djokovic hasn’t received a serious since capturing three in 2023 and is now dealing with a “muscular issue” that worsens the extra he performs.
Nadal retired last year at the same age, whereas Roger Federer stepped away in 2022 at age 41. Djokovic failed to indicate his greatest within the loss to Sinner, 23, after struggling at instances to maintain up together with his energy, whiffing on a forehand try early within the match and lacking a simple lob on the internet through the decisive third-set tiebreaker.
Djokovic talked about Sinner being “very match” and applauded his ball-striking skills and noticeable energy of all the time enjoying with stability. Sinner has received 4 straight in opposition to Djokovic since shedding 4 of his first 5 within the matchup.
“[It] was a straight-set loss, however I really feel like I did give him a run for his cash, so to say,” Djokovic mentioned. “I attempted to make him work until the final shot. I did what I may. That is sport. It’s important to simply shake the hand of the higher participant and transfer on.”
On his strategy to the locker room, Djokovic stopped midcourt and positioned his racket bag on the clay earlier than acknowledging the Roland Garros crowd, who gave him a standing ovation.
Was this an impromptu, remaining 15-second salute? Maybe. Djokovic’s shot at a twenty fifth main begins once more in three weeks at Wimbledon, the place he is received seven instances and has reached consecutive finals with losses to Carlos Alcaraz.
The sport slows down on grass, nice information for Djokovic who not has the quickness of Sinner, Alcaraz and some others within the males’s sport. Djokovic mentioned after his loss to Sinner that Wimbledon and the U.S. Open are in his sights the remainder of the 12 months, past that, he is not so positive.
“Wimbledon is my childhood favorite event,” Djokovic said. “I will do every thing attainable to get myself prepared. I assume my greatest probabilities possibly are Wimbledon, you already know, to win one other Slam or possibly Australia.”
