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Novak Djokovic Drops Bombshell! Hints At Possible Retirement After French Open Exit

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic hinted that his journey at Roland Garros might have come to an emotional end after his straight-sets semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at the French Open 2025.

The 38-year-old Serbian put in a spirited display at Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday but ultimately succumbed 4-6, 5-7, 6-7 against the in-form Italian.

Novak Djokovic

Despite the defeat, Djokovic showed glimpses of vintage brilliance, especially after his gutsy quarter-final victory over Alexander Zverev. But against Sinner, the defending champion ran into a wall of consistency and pace.

Speaking candidly in the post-match press conference, Djokovic admitted the moment carried an emotional weight: "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."

He was quick to acknowledge the love from the Parisian crowd, suggesting that if this was indeed his final Roland Garros appearance, it was a fitting farewell.

"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 he expressed a desire to continue, Djokovic was uncertain about what the future holds.

"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's all I can say for the moment."

Reflecting on the match itself, Djokovic praised Sinner's performance and acknowledged being outplayed.

"[It] was a straight-set loss, but I feel like I did give him a run for his money, so to say. 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."

He added: "I must say that I was proud of my effort tonight [and] in this tournament, considering I wasn't in great form coming into Roland Garros, but he was just too good for me tonight."

On Sinner, Djokovic was full of admiration: "Jannik is the kind of player who loves to play [at a] very fast pace the entire match. He's very physical. He's very fit, and he's striking the ball incredibly well. He seems to always be on good timing. Rarely he's off-balance, and he's just playing the tennis of his life."

With this win, Sinner now advances to face Carlos Alcaraz-who defeated Lorenzo Musetti-in what promises to be a thrilling French Open final. As for Djokovic, the world awaits whether this Roland Garros was his final chapter in Paris.

Story first published: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:27 [IST]
Other articles published on Jun 7, 2025
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