Novak Djokovic`s campaign for a record 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros came to an end following a defeat by Italy`s Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
The 38-year-old Serbian star appeared to bid farewell to the fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier after his 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 loss to the world number one. He waved to the crowd and even touched the clay court surface.
It remains uncertain whether this match marks his final appearance at the French Open, two decades after his debut at the tournament.
Djokovic, who had treatment on his leg during the event, spoke about the crowd`s support:
“I wanted to show a great sense of gratitude for the kind of support that I received. It was incredible. I don’t think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world.”
He also praised the performance of his young opponent:
“Congratulations to Jannik for another very good and solid performance. Mentally he deserved big credit for hanging in there in the tough moments when the whole stadium was cheering. He showed why he’s No.1 in the world. He was just too solid.”
Reflecting on the possibility of this being his last time competing at Roland Garros, Djokovic shared his emotions:
“I mean this could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know.”
Djokovic faced a formidable challenge in Sinner, who remains undefeated in Grand Slam matches since Wimbledon 2024. The 23-year-old Sinner reached the final without dropping a single set and is now set to compete against his friend and rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in a highly anticipated final between the top two seeds.
Sinner paid tribute to the tennis legend he defeated:
“It was a special occasion to play against Novak. It’s amazing. I had to step up. Play my best tennis. He’s the best player in the history of our sport. It shows what a role model he is for all of us, especially us young players. What he is doing is incredible. We are very, very lucky to see him play at such a high level of tennis.”
In the other men`s semi-final, Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the championship match after his opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retired due to a left leg injury. Alcaraz was leading 4-6, 7-6, 6-0, 2-0 when the match ended prematurely. Despite losing the first set, Alcaraz`s consistent pressure ultimately led to Musetti`s physical issues. This sets up the blockbuster final between the top two seeds, Alcaraz and Sinner.
Alcaraz commented on the unfortunate end to his match:
“It’s not the way that I wanted to win, to make the final. I just wished him, you know, a speedy recovery. I hope to see him soon.”
He also discussed the intensity of the match before the retirement:
“His level went down a little bit, and I made the most of it. Playing at such a great level and high intensity during three sets is tough. I tried to push him to the limit. The first two sets were really difficult, intense, and I tried to make him run a lot during the third set.”
