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Tennis legend Novak Djokovic expressed uncertainty about returning to Roland Garros next year following a straight-sets semifinal defeat to world number one Jannik Sinner on Saturday. The Serbian star, a three-time French Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, bowed out 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a tightly contested clash, which marked a potential farewell to the clay courts of Paris.
Sinner, just 23, displayed masterful command across all areas of the court. With his pinpoint accuracy, powerful groundstrokes, and consistent serve, he managed to subdue Djokovic, setting up a historic final against Carlos Alcaraz. The championship match will be the first Grand Slam final featuring two players born in the 2000s.
Following his loss, Djokovic packed his bags courtside and bid farewell to the Roland Garros crowd with an emotional wave, acknowledging the thunderous applause. Speaking in the post-match press conference, as quoted by the ATP Tour, he reflected on the significance of the moment.
“This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I do not know. That is why I was a bit more emotional even in the end,” Djokovic admitted.
“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.”
Although unsure about the future, Djokovic conveyed a desire to continue competing but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his return. “Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months` time here again? I don`t know. That is all I can say for the moment,” he said.
Despite moments of vintage brilliance during the match, Djokovic conceded that Sinner was the superior player on the day. “I tried to make him work till the last shot. I did what I could. This is sport. You have to just shake the hand of the better player and move on. I must say that I was proud of my effort tonight [and] in this tournament, considering I was not in great form coming into Roland Garros, but he was just too good for me tonight.”
The head-to-head between the two now tilts slightly in Sinner’s favor, 5-4. Djokovic had generous praise for the Italian, highlighting his development and dominance.
“Jannik is the kind of player who loves to play at a very fast pace the entire match. He is very physical. He is very fit, and he is striking the ball incredibly well. He seems to always be on good timing. Rarely he is off-balance, and he is just playing the tennis of his life.”
(With agency inputs)
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