Paris (France), June 7 (LaPresse) – Novak Djokovic is unsure if he will play again at Roland Garros after his semifinal defeat against world number one Jannik Sinner. The Serbian, winner of 24 Grand Slam titles, expressed doubts about returning to play in Paris next year, when he will be 39. Moments after the match lost to the Italian, Djokovic took time to place down his bag and applaud in all directions around the Philippe-Chatrier court.
“This might have been the last match I ever played here, so I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional at the end,” said the former world number one. “But if this really was my farewell match at Roland Garros, it was wonderful — for the atmosphere and what I received from the crowd.” After the defeat, the Serbian kissed his hand and then placed it on the clay, as if to say goodbye to the Parisian tournament, which he has won three times. Then he picked up his bag, looked up to the stands, and headed toward the tunnel.
“Do I want to keep playing? Yes. But will I be able to play here in 12 months? I don’t know,” he added. “I said it might have been my last match here, not that it was.”
Djokovic confirmed that he definitely plans to play at Wimbledon, starting June 30, and the US Open in August, but is uncertain about his future plans.
“I really don’t know what tomorrow will bring at this stage of my career. But I will keep moving forward. Wimbledon has been my favorite tournament since I was a kid. I will do everything to prepare myself as best as I can.”
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