LONDON — Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has confirmed his decision to retire from professional tennis following a crushing semi-final defeat to Italy’s Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has dominated the sport for over a decade, announced his emotional farewell after a straight-sets loss (6-3, 6-4, 6-4) that left fans and analysts stunned.
Djokovic, 37, struggled throughout the match against the 22-year-old Sinner, who outplayed him with relentless baseline aggression and precision serving. The Serbian star, usually known for his mental resilience and tactical brilliance, appeared uncharacteristically flat, committing 32 unforced errors and failing to break Sinner’s serve even once. "This was not the performance I wanted in what may be my last Wimbledon," Djokovic admitted in his post-match press conference.
A Career-Defining Moment
The match marked a symbolic passing of the torch, with Sinner—now a two-time Grand Slam champion—displaying the kind of dominance that once defined Djokovic’s prime. The Italian’s victory extended his head-to-head lead over Djokovic to 4-2, a statistic that underscores the shifting landscape of men’s tennis. "Jannik was just better today," Djokovic conceded. "He’s the future of this sport."
Djokovic’s retirement announcement comes after months of speculation about his future. Persistent elbow issues and a dip in consistency over the past year had fueled rumors that he might step away sooner rather than later. However, his decision to confirm it after Wimbledon—a tournament where he has won seven titles—carries significant weight.
The Emotional Press Conference
In an emotional post-match press conference, Djokovic fought back tears as he reflected on his unparalleled career. "I’ve given everything to this sport," he said. "But there comes a time when you have to listen to your body, your mind, and your family. That time is now."
Djokovic’s legacy is undeniable:
- 24 Grand Slam titles (a men’s record)
- 40 Masters 1000 titles (another record)
- 389 weeks as world No. 1 (the most in ATP history)
- The only player to win all four majors at least three times each
Reactions from the Tennis World
Tributes poured in from fellow players, past and present. Rafael Nadal, Djokovic’s longtime rival, posted on social media: "Novak, you’ve been one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever faced. Tennis won’t be the same without you." Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, added: "What you’ve achieved is beyond extraordinary. Enjoy your next chapter."
Current players also expressed their admiration. Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final, called him "the ultimate benchmark for excellence." Sinner, still processing his own victory, admitted, "Playing against Novak has always been the toughest challenge. It’s surreal to think he won’t be on tour anymore."
What’s Next for Djokovic?
While Djokovic confirmed his retirement from professional play, he hinted at remaining involved in tennis in some capacity. "I’ll always love this sport," he said. "Whether it’s coaching, commentary, or developing young players, I want to give back." He also mentioned spending more time with his family and focusing on his philanthropic efforts, including his foundation supporting underprivileged children.
Djokovic’s final professional match will be at the Paris Olympics, where he will represent Serbia in what he calls "a last chance to compete for my country." Though he has never won Olympic gold—a rare gap in his résumé—he insisted that the result won’t define his career.
The End of an Era
Djokovic’s retirement marks the definitive end of the "Big Three" era, following Federer’s exit in 2022 and Nadal’s expected retirement after the 2024 season. His departure leaves a void in men’s tennis, but also opens the door for a new generation led by Sinner, Alcaraz, and others.
As Djokovic left Centre Court for what may be the final time, he received a standing ovation from the Wimbledon crowd—a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s all-time greats. "Thank you for the memories, Novak," read one fan’s banner, summing up the sentiment of millions worldwide.
Though his competitive career is ending, Djokovic’s influence on tennis will endure. His relentless pursuit of perfection, mental fortitude, and unprecedented longevity have set a standard that may never be matched. As he put it himself: "I leave with no regrets."