Novak Djokovic noted fatigue during the lost Wimbledon semi-final against Jannik Sinner on Friday. The 38-year-old Serb lost in three sets (6-3, 6-3 and 6-4) and drew painful conclusions afterwards.
“This was not bad luck. It was age, it is wear and tear,” said Djokovic, who will miss the Wimbledon final coming Sunday for the first time since 2017. The 23-year-old Sinner faces the 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the final in London.
“Those young guys are fit and sharp,” Djokovic continued. “When I play against Sinner or Alcaraz, I feel like I’m going into the match with a half-empty tank.”
In the past, Djokovic excelled in physical and conditional terms. The former number one in the world won 24 Grand Slam titles, but the last time he reached a Grand Slam final was a year ago.
“No matter how well I take care of my body, the reality is now dawning on me that I am becoming physically weaker.”
Djokovic is the only one of the ‘Big Four’ who is still active, after the departure of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. He seems to be overtaken by the new generation, but still hopes to win his 25th Grand Slam title.
“Playing matches over five sets is really a challenge. The longer the tournament lasts, the worse I become conditionally. But I feel that I can still play very good tennis if I am fit. I have also shown that this year.”
Djokovic therefore has no departure planned yet. “I want to come back to Wimbledon at least once more. Hopefully the semi-final against Sinner was not my last match on center court.”