Novak Djokovic admitted his French Open semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner could well be his final match at Rolland Garros, sparking suggestions of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old was seeking to win a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles, but was denied in straight sets by World No.1 Sinner.
Djokovic took his time leaving Court Philippe-Chatrier after his 6-4 7-5 7-6 defeat, putting down his bags to applaud every corner of the stadium before touching the clay as he exited.
And the Serb admitted that his emotions were heightened knowing that could well be the final time he competes at the French Open.
‘This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end,’ Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.
‘But 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.’
Asked if it’s more than likely that Friday’s defeat was his last French Open contest, he added: ‘I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I going to ‘keep on keeping on’.
‘Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time. 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.
‘Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in my plans. That’s all I can say right now. I’m going to, unless something, I don’t know, happens.
‘But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I’m not so sure.’
Djokovic has battled injuries and inconsistencies this season, but showed flashes of his best to become the oldest man to reach the last four at Rolland Garros since 1968.
But overcoming Sinner proved one obstacle too many for the 38-year-old, with the Italian now advancing to face Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final after the Spaniard came through his semi-final with Lorenzo Musetti.
‘I think mentally he deserves big credit for hanging in there when the whole stadium was cheering and he managed to find some really good shots,’ Djokovic said of Sinner’s performance.
‘He showed why he is number one in the world, he was just too solid for me today.’
Sinner pays tribute to Djokovic after his win
Sinner, meanwhile, was keen to heap praise on Djokovic after his ruthless victory over the former World No.1.
‘It is very difficult, he has achieved so many things,’ Sinner said post-match when asked about the challenges of facing Djokovic.
‘He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing.
‘I wish him only the best for the rest of the season and I think we are all very lucky to see him playing such a high level of tennis.
Asked about his clash with Alcarez in the final, the 23-year-old added: ‘Sunday is going to be very difficult. I know that, my head-to-heads don’t look great lately against Carlos. So let’s see what I can do.
‘I am very happy to be here in the final, we will see what I can do.’
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