Novak Djokovic may have played in his last-ever French Open.
On Friday, following a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3) loss to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at Roland Garros, Djokovic hinted that retirement may be near.
“This could’ve been the last match ever I played here. I don’t know. That’s why it was a bit more emotional in the end. If this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd,” he said, via the Roland Garros Press.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion wasn’t fully ready to commit to retirement but acknowledged that things are beginning to wind down at 38 years sold.
“Do I wish to play more, yes I do. But will I be able to play here in 12 months’ time, I don’t know,” Djokovic said. “I said it could have been my last match [here], I didn’t say it was.”
If retirement is on the horizon, Djokovic will have another opportunity to break a tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slams of all time at Wimbledon.
“I don’t know what tomorrow brings at this point in my career. I’m gonna keep on keeping on,” he said. “Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favorite tournament. I’m gonna do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chance is maybe Wimbledon to win another slam.”
Djokovic said he was fully motivated to play at Wimbledon and the US Open but wouldn’t commit to anything beyond that.
