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 likely to be unfolding as we converse.
Djokovic, 38, admittedly stated he contemplated the “finish of the highway” earlier than the beginning 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 instructed the media. “If this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my profession, it was a beautiful one when it comes to the environment and what I acquired from the gang. Do I want to play extra? Sure, I do. However will I be capable of 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 energetic participant remaining from the ‘Massive Three,’ and the sport’s elite is rising regardless of his present No. 5 world rating. Djokovic hasn’t gained a significant since capturing three in 2023 and is now coping with a “muscular situation” that worsens the extra he performs.
Nadal retired final 12 months on the identical age, whereas Roger Federer stepped away in 2022 at age 41. Djokovic failed to indicate his finest within the loss to Sinner, 23, after struggling at instances to maintain up along with his energy, whiffing on a forehand try early within the match and lacking a straightforward lob on the web through the decisive third-set tiebreaker.
Djokovic talked about Sinner being “very match” and applauded his ball-striking talents and noticeable energy of at all times taking part in with stability. Sinner has gained 4 straight towards 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 stated. “I attempted to make him work until the final shot. I did what I may. That is sport. You must simply shake the hand of the higher participant and transfer on.”
On his technique 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, ultimate 15-second salute? Maybe. Djokovic’s shot at a twenty fifth main begins once more in three weeks at Wimbledon, the place he is gained 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 recreation. Djokovic stated 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 isn’t so certain.
“Wimbledon is my childhood favorite event,” Djokovic stated. “I’ll do every thing attainable to get myself prepared. I assume my finest possibilities possibly are Wimbledon, , to win one other Slam or possibly Australia.”
