Novak Djokovic’s future at Roland-Garros appears uncertain following his semi-final defeat to top-ranked Jannik Sinner, raising questions about whether he will return to the storied Parisian tournament next year at the age of 39. After losing the match with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3), Djokovic expressed his emotional response, referring to the possibility that this match might have been his last at the event.
In a poignant farewell moment, Djokovic acknowledged the support of the crowd, kissing his hand and placing it on the clay, a tribute to the three championships he has claimed at this historic venue. Reflecting on his performance and potential future appearances, he stated, “I wish to play more, but will I be able to play here in 12 months? I don’t know.”
Djokovic, currently ranked sixth in the world, has confirmed intentions to compete at Wimbledon and the US Open but remains uncertain about his plans beyond that. During the match against Sinner, Djokovic found himself on the defensive for much of the contest, often sliding behind the baseline while trying to counter Sinner’s aggressive play. He pointed out the pressure he faced, emphasising Sinner’s capability to keep him constantly on the back foot.
The match featured a critical moment when Djokovic contested a line call that, if overturned, could have put him in a position to secure a set point. However, the decision favoured Sinner, who went on to maintain his lead and ultimately win the tie-break in the third set. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic praised Sinner, acknowledging him as the reigning world No. 1 and wishing him well for the upcoming finals against Carlos Alcaraz.
In a separate semi-final, Alcaraz advanced due to opponent Lorenzo Musetti’s retirement, having led 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when Musetti encountered a leg injury. Alcaraz expressed empathy for Musetti while also conveying confidence in his own physical condition leading up to the final.
As Jannik Sinner emerges as the second Italian male to reach the Roland-Garros final in the Open era, the anticipation around the final match heightens, showcasing the young talents at the forefront of tennis today. Overall, Djokovic’s career at this iconic tournament hangs in the balance as he contemplates his future in tennis.