‘Honoured’ Novak Djokovic hints at possible Roland Garros farewell after semi-final loss

PARIS – Novak Djokovic suggested he may well have bidden adieu to Roland Garros after the 38-year-old was defeated in the French Open semi-finals by Jannik Sinner on June 6.

Following his 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) loss to world No. 1 Sinner, the Serb stopped briefly on his way off Court Philippe Chatrier and took a moment to “show his gratitude” to the Paris crowd.

“This could have been the last match ever I played here... That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end,” said three-time champion Djokovic.

“But if this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.

“Not the happiest because of the loss, but I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd.”

Djokovic has on occasion had a fraught relationship with the Parisian public, but hailed the backing he received against Sinner.

“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. So very, very honoured to experience that,” he added.

However, the Serb allayed fears he would be calling time on his career just yet.

He still stands on the brink of history after his latest tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title was foiled.

One more Major victory would take him beyond Margaret Court and into outright-first on the list of players with the most Grand Slams.

“At the moment I will try to stick with the plan what I had, which is play the Grand Slams,” he said.

“Those tournaments are the priorities of my schedule, my calendar. Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in plans... For the rest, I’m not so sure.”

Despite the latest setback, Djokovic insisted he still has the record in his sights and hoped it will be eighth time lucky when Wimbledon starts on June 30.

“I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready,” he said of the tournament that he has won seven times. AFP