Defeated Djoko: This could have been my RG goodbye

Novak Djokovic admitted in defeat on Friday that he could have played his last match at the French Open.

The 38-year-old with 24 Grand Slam singles titles in his trophy case, was unable to handle world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3), semi-final loss in Paris.

And Djokovic, who won his first title in 10.months last month in Geneva. hinted that he could be waving goodbye to Roland Garros and the Chatrier showcourt.

“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,” Djokovic said of his defeat in three and a quarter hours.

“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.”

The father of two whose family was watching in the player box added that his tennis future remains an unknown: 

“I don’t know really what tomorrow brings at this point in my career. I’m going to keep on keeping on.

“But I must say that I was proud of my effort tonight, considering I wasn’t in great form coming into Roland Garros.

“Jannik was just too good for me tonight. I had some (set point) chances in the third set  – I had a forehand, and I went for it, and I missed it.”

Djokovic is now pinning his hopes on Wimbledon, which begins in three weeks.

“Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favorite tournament. I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready. 

“I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon to win another slam or faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.”

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic at full stretch in what might be his last Roland Garros appearance – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos