Djokovic hints at future Wimbledon plans despite semi-final loss
Novak Djokovic has fuelled speculation over his retirement plans after admitting he wants to play at Wimbledon “at least one more time” following his emphatic semi-final defeat, reports BritPanorama.
The 39-year-old was comprehensively outclassed by world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who powered into the final with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory on Centre Court. Djokovic struggled to live with the defending champion’s relentless hitting and admitted he was consistently late to the ball during a one-sided encounter at the All England Club.
However, the seven-time Wimbledon champion suggested he is planning to return to SW19 in 2027, when he will be 40, despite appearing to acknowledge that his time at the top is nearing its conclusion. Asked whether he expected to compete at Wimbledon again, Djokovic said: “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.”
His carefully chosen words will inevitably raise questions over whether next year’s tournament could become an emotional farewell appearance for one of the greatest players in tennis history. Despite this, Djokovic refused to blame his age for Friday’s defeat and instead conceded that Sinner had simply operated at another level.
“No, not really. It was a good old blowout,” he said when asked whether he could have changed his tactics. “There was nothing much I could do. I was just half a step late basically in any shot. It’s very simple as that. He was just a level better than I was.”
Sinner will now defend his Wimbledon crown against Alexander Zverev after the German ended British hopeful Arthur Fery’s run in straight sets. Despite falling short once again in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title, Djokovic insisted his campaign should still be regarded as a success. “I’m proud of what I achieved three nights ago,” he said, referring to his quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“I’ve proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have. I reached the last four of Wimbledon.” Reflecting on his elusive quest for that 25th title, he expressed frustration over the focus on it, noting, “It really started to annoy me a little because, somehow, it’s like I’m not enough for myself, and then others put extra weight on me.”
Nevertheless, Djokovic maintained that he finds enjoyment in the thrill of competition, though he acknowledged the increasing toll that the necessary preparations exact on him. “Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition,” he added. “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.” His resolution, however, remains firm: “I do it because I really want to and because I still can. I can still play as a top-10, top-five player.”
As the tennis world watches closely, the prospect of Djokovic’s potential farewell at Wimbledon adds an intriguing layer to the narrative—how the end of an era hovers just beyond the net, waiting patiently to serve its own story.
