Novak Djokovic says he wants to play at Wimbledon ‘at least one more time’ after semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner | Tennis News
Novak Djokovic says he wants to return to Wimbledon “at least one more time” and does not feel any pressure to continue his tennis career.
Djokovic has been trying to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title – the most of any man or woman – for the last two years and his latest attempt came to an end on Friday when he was defeated in straight sets by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
The 39-year-old beat Sinner in the last four of the Australian Open earlier this year but lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
“I would like to [return to Wimbledon], at least one more time. Let’s see,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors in 2025 with one final and one semi-final so far this year ahead of next month’s US Open, live on Sky Sports.
However, this year’s Wimbledon was seen by many as his best chance to win another Grand Slam before his career ends.
Djokovic has been focusing solely on the Grand Slams in recent years (PA)
“I guess for 99 per cent of the players, that would be a very good [set of] Grand Slam results,” said Djokovic.
“For me, it’s good but not good enough, because I’m blessed and cursed to be used to something of a highest degree in terms of results and achievements.
“In some way, I’m also dealing with myself in a sense that I’m telling myself, look, this is amazing that you’re still able to, as people around me are telling me, able to play at such a high level and push the youngsters to the limit for Grand Slam titles, which is true. But at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself.”
Djokovic was simply outplayed by Jannik Sinner in their semi-final (PA)
Djokovic: Let’s see what the future brings
Djokovic had a difficult Wimbledon draw over the last fortnight with wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderknech, Roman Safiullin and a five-set thriller against Felix Auger-Aliassime just to reach the semi-finals.
He admits the “internal battle” of changing goals and expectations will play a role in what he decides to do with his career.
“I’m proud of what I achieved three nights ago. Felix is number, what, three, fourth player in the world. I have proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have,” said Djokovic.
“Losing in straight sets against the best player in the world, okay. It is what it is. It’s the reality you have to accept. But the tournament was positive in terms of the attitude on the court, the fighting spirit, the dedication. I mean, it’s still there.”
Djokovic had a memorable quarter-final win over Felix Auger-Aliassime (AP Photo/Maja Smiejkowska)
He added: “Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition. Maybe I don’t enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain, physically mostly.
“I’m glad that this tournament, the body held pretty well. Pretty much every other tournament in the last two years it was always something.
“That’s the main thing. I feel when I’m healthy, I’m still able to play as a top-five player, still able to compete at the highest level. I like it. I like this life. I mean, tennis has given me everything in my life and has allowed me an opportunity to become who I am.
“At the same time, you know, of course there’s always a question how far you want to go, what you want to play, how you want to play etc.
“I go through that process, but I try to take it, in a sense, a day at a time, see how I really feel. I don’t have any pressure or no one is forcing me to play. I do it because I really want to and because I still can. I still can play as a top 10, top five player. Let’s see what’s future brings.”
