Novak Djokovic is no secret that he is approaching the end of his great career, but the farewell tour of the 24-time Grand Slam champions may unfold as we speak.
Djokovic, 38, Certainly, he said he contemplated the “end of the road” before the start. His words after falling to world No. 1 Janik Sinner in the semi-finals amid the French Open during the legacy event of 14-time clay champion Rafael Nadal, his words felt more than the Serbian star’s consideration.
“I don’t know because this might have been the last game I’ve played here, so I was a little more emotional in the end,” Djokovic told the media. “If this was a Roland Garros farewell match for me in my career, it was great in terms of vibes and what I got from the crowd. Want to play more? Yes, I’ll do it.
The gap between the talent of Djokovic, the only active player remaining from the “Big 3” and the game’s elite talent is growing despite the current fifth world rankings. Djokovic has not won a major since winning three in 2023 and is now dealing with “muscle issues” that get worse enough to play.
Nadal retired at the same time last year.Roger Federer I set foot in 2022 At 41, Djokovic sometimes struggled to keep up with his strength, failing to show his best defeat in defeat to the sinner after making forehand attempts early in the match and missing an easy lob in the net during a decisive third-set tiebreaker.
Djokovic said the sinner was “very fit,” praised his ability to hit the ball and his remarkable strength in playing in balance at all times. Thinner has achieved four straight wins against Djokovic since losing four of his first five in the matchup.
“(It was a straight loss) but I feel like I felt like I ran for his money. “I tried to get him to work until the last shot. I did what I could. This is a sport. You have to wave the better athlete and move on.”
On his way to the locker room, Djokovic acknowledged the crowd of Roland Garros after stopping the midcoat and placing the racket bag on top of the clay.
Was this an improvisation, the final 15-second salute? perhaps. Djokovic’s shot in the 25th major started again in three weeks at Wimbledon, where he won seven times and reached a back-to-back final, losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic said Wimbledon and the US Open were visible for the rest of the year after being defeated by the sinners.
“Wimbledon is my favorite tournament of my childhood,” Djokovic said. “I’m going to do everything I can to prepare myself, and I think my best chance is probably Wimbledon.
