"Reality hits me now": Djokovic, without a chance, just can't quit

"Reality hits me now" Djokovic, who has no chance, just can't stop. 12.07.2025, 06:03

Novak Djokovic remains hopeless in the Wimbledon semifinals against Jannik Sinner. The exceptional player is increasingly showing his age. But his career isn't over yet. The Serbian tennis giant intends to return to London at least once more.

Novak Djokovic intends to continue his tennis career even after his bitter Wimbledon exit and hopes for another attempt at his eighth title at the grass-court classic. "Hopefully, this wasn't my last match on Centre Court. I don't plan on ending my Wimbledon career today," said the 38-year-old Serb after his decisive semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. "I definitely want to come back at least once more."

Djokovic had previously lost 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 to the world number one from Italy and had largely been left without a chance. He was visibly hampered by a thigh injury. "Reality is hitting me now, in the last year and a half, like never before," he said. "It's just the physical aspect that bothers me. You're there. You want to play. You're determined. But then your body doesn't want to listen. That's it. That's what you can say about it." The world number six slipped badly and fell hard to the grass shortly before the end of his quarterfinal.

Djokovic: Not bad luck, but age

It wasn't a pleasant feeling on the court, said Djokovic, but declined to reveal any details about his injury. "He's in the final, he was too strong," said the seven-time Wimbledon winner about Sinner. Djokovic has struggled with injuries repeatedly this season. At the Australian Open, he had to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev. "It's not bad luck, it's just age, wear and tear," said the Serb. "When I'm fresh and fit, I can still play very good tennis."

So far, Djokovic has reached the semifinals of every Grand Slam tournament this season. "But then I have to play against Sinner or (Carlos) Alcaraz. These guys are fit and young," he said. "For me, it feels like I'm going into these matches with a half-empty tank." He also lost to Sinner in three sets at the French Open. Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles in his career, more than any other male professional. Before the tournament, he said that nowhere would his chance of reaching number 25 be greater than at Wimbledon.