Novak Djokovic drops major retirement hint after French Open semi-final defeat by Jannik Sinner
Friday might have been one of the last times fans saw Novak Djokovic dance on the Roland-Garros clay, as the Serbian dropped a major hint about his retirement.
Djokovic fell to a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 defeat by Jannik Sinner in the French Open semi-final, the world No 1 teeing up a first ever Grand Slam final against his great rival Carlos Alcaraz.
The defeat extended Djokovic’s two-year Grand Slam drought, with the 38-year-old’s most recent title being the 2023 US Open.
Chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, Friday’s defeat marked the end of Djokovic’s 27-match winning streak at the French Open, dating back to his 2023 title.
After the fact, Djokovic stopped to thank the Paris crowd before leaving the court, admitting he may never return to Roland-Garros.
‘This could have been the last match ever I played here, I don’t know,’ said the world No 6. ‘That’s why I was a bit more emotional at the end.
Novak Djokovic admitted his match on Friday may have been his last ever at Roland-Garros
The 38-year-old was dumped out of the French Open in the semi-finals by Jannik Sinner
Djokovic will have to wait until Wimbledon next month to end his two-year Grand Slam drought
‘If this was the farewell match of Roland Garros in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.
‘Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. Will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know.
‘That’s all I can say for the moment.’
Djokovic’s wait for a Grand Slam will continue for at least a few more weeks, with his next shot coming at Wimbledon, which begins on June 30.
Djokovic – who is chasing a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club – confirmed that his participation at SW19 this year, as well as the US Open in August.
He said: ‘Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in plans. That’s all I can say right now.
‘I feel like I want to play those two, for sure. For the rest, I’m not so sure.’
