Following his semi-final defeat at the French Open to world number one Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic commented that the match might have been his “last match” at Roland-Garros.
Djokovic`s latest attempt to secure a record 25th Grand Slam championship fell short, while Sinner advanced to his first final at the French Open.
Having recently turned 38, Djokovic was aiming to become the oldest male player to win a major title. However, in Sinner – 15 years his junior – the Serbian star effectively faced a younger, more physically potent version of himself.
The encounter was a high-quality semi-final worthy of a match between the current top-ranked player and arguably the sport`s all-time best. Sinner, however, capitalized on crucial moments, ultimately winning in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).
“This could have been the last match I ever played here. I don`t know,” Djokovic stated. After the match concluded, he took a moment to set down his bag and acknowledge the spectators around all sides of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
He added, “But if this was the final match for me at Roland-Garros in my career, it was a wonderful experience in terms of the atmosphere and the reception from the crowd.”
After his loss, he kissed his hand and then touched the clay court, seemingly bidding farewell to the French Open. He then gathered his bags, looked up towards the stands, and proceeded down the tunnel.
Djokovic confirmed his plans to compete at Wimbledon later this month and the US Open in August, emphasizing that Grand Slams remain his primary focus.
Despite this, he was unwilling to commit to participating in any other tournaments beyond those two at this stage.
He further explained, “I don`t know what tomorrow holds for my career. Wimbledon is up next. Twelve months feels like a long time at this point in my career. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But whether I will be able to compete here again in 12 months` time, I cannot say.”
Djokovic`s most recent victory at the French Open, where he lifted the Musketeers` Cup, was in 2023.
