Novak Djokovic plans Wimbledon return after Sinner semi-final loss
Novak Djokovic has declared his intention to return to Wimbledon at least one more time after suffering a straight-sets semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner.
The 39-year-old was comprehensively beaten on Friday, ending his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Despite facing mounting questions over his future in the sport, the Serbian insists he feels no immediate pressure to end his illustrious tennis career.
“I would like to [return to Wimbledon], at least one more time. Let’s see,” said Djokovic.
Dealing with the highest expectations
The veteran has spent the past two years relentlessly chasing the elusive 25th major that would take him clear of any male or female player in history.
He previously defeated Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, only to fall short against Carlos Alcaraz in the Melbourne final.
“I guess for 99 per cent of the players, that would be a very good set of Grand Slam results,” added the 24-time major champion.
“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.”
An exhausting route to the last four
Many observers viewed this grass-court campaign as the final realistic opportunity for the global tennis icon to add to his historic tally before he turns 40 next year.
His path through the draw proved physically demanding, featuring gruelling victories over Stefanos Tsitsipas and a five-set thriller against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“I have proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have,” he reflected on his tournament performance.
The former world number one acknowledged the internal struggle of balancing his aging physical reality with his relentless competitive drive.
Accepting defeat to the world’s best
“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,” he admitted.
Despite the comprehensive loss, he maintained that his attitude, fighting spirit, and dedication on the court remain as strong as ever.
Attention will now turn to next month’s US Open, where he will once again attempt to capture that historic 25th Grand Slam crown.