Novak Djokovic took an extensive farewell from the audience at Roland Garros on Saturday after his lost semi-final against Jannik Sinner. The 38-year-old Serbian tennis legend doubted afterwards if he would return to the Paris gravel.
After the match against Sinner, Djokovic stood for a while on the Court Philippe-Chatrier. He put his bags down on the ground brick and greeted the audience, after which he bowed and touched the gravel.
Djokovic looked emotional and announced afterwards why. “This could have been the last match I ever played here,” Djokovic said at the press conference. “I don’t know, but that’s why I was a little more emotional at the end.”
“If this was my farewell match in Paris, it was great,” continued the 24-time Grand Slam winner. “I have never had so much support from the audience. It was a great evening.”
Djokovic was close to his 25th Grand Slam title in Paris, but had to acknowledge his superior in world number one Sinner. The Italian was too strong for Djokovic in three sets: 6-4, 7-5 and 7-6 (3).
For now, Djokovic is focusing on Wimbledon, which starts on June 30. “I think I have the best chance there to win another Grand Slam tournament. The goal is to play at Wimbledon and the US Open, the rest I have to see.”