Novak Djokovic has vowed to return to Wimbledon next year, when he will be in his 40s, despite a painful straight-sets defeat by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. The 37-year-old Serbian, who will turn 38 in May, lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to the world No 1 on Friday, but struck a defiant tone afterwards, insisting he had proven over the fortnight that he remains one of the best players in the world.
Djokovic Accepts Defeat but Remains Positive
“Losing in straight sets against the best player in the world, OK, it is what it is,” Djokovic said. “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, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, added that his body held up well during the tournament, unlike in previous events where he faced physical issues. “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.”
Plans for at Least One More Wimbledon
When asked whether he intended to be back next year, Djokovic replied: “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.” The veteran, who will turn 40 during next year's tournament, reflected on his season: “Last year I reached four semi-finals. This year, out of three slams, I reached one final and one semi-final. I guess for 99% of the players, that would be a very good grand slam result. For me, it’s good but not good enough, because I’m blessed and cursed to be used to something of the highest degree in terms of results and achievements.”
Positives from the Tournament
Djokovic highlighted his five-hour, 15-minute quarter-final victory over world No 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime as a key positive. “Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition,” he said. “Maybe I don’t enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to a big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain, physically mostly. I still can play as a top-10, top-five player.” He added: “I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I’m still pushing myself so hard. But I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it. I’m proud of what I achieved three nights ago. Felix is fourth player in the world. I’ve proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have.”
