Novak Djokovic said his French Open semi-final defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner could have been his final match at Roland Garros as he sparked suggestions that he is nearing retirement.
The 38-year-old was denied in his bid to a win a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles title as Sinner held on to win in straight-sets.
Djokovic took his time leaving the court, waving to the crowd and touching the clay, and said he felt “gratitude” for the support he received during the loss.
The Serbian said he wants to play this season’s Wimbledon and US Open but could not guarantee that he would continue playing into the 2026 season.
“This could have been the last match I played here, so I don't know,” Djokovic said. “That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end.
“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.
“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. 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 was forced to withdraw from last year’s French Open due to injury and he retired from this season’s Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev with a leg problem.
Against Sinner, Djokovic received treatment at the end of the second set on a left leg injury but dismissed its significance after the match.
Djokovic, who has won the title three times at Roland Garros as well as the gold medal at last year’s Paris Olympics, said the support from the crowd was the best he had received in Paris.
“I don't think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world,” Djokovic said.
“So very, very honored to experience that. Not the happiest because of the loss, but I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd, because they were terrific in the moments when it seemed like it was going all of his way.
“Then they would lift me up and encourage me and give me strength to keep going and fight to the last ball, which I did.”
Congratulations to Jannik for another very good and solid performance. He showed why he's No. 1 in the world. He was just too solid tonight “
Sinner, who will play Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday in the first grand slam final contested by two players born in the 2000s, paid tribute to Djokovic and said he was a “role model” for the younger generation.
“First of all, we hope that it's not the case, because I feel like tennis needs him,” Sinner said when told about Djokovic’s quotes. “Having someone different than the younger guys and my point of view, it's so nice and amazing to see him in the locker room, and then having this energy of everything.
“I saw him practicing yesterday, you know, or couple of days ago. He's very precise in everything he does. It's a true role model for all of us.
“But if that's the case, I'm happy to be part of this, because it's a part of history also. But let's hope that's not the case, no? He said ‘maybe’ so you never know.”
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