PARIS — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, opened up about his emotional reaction following his shocking semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner at the 2024 French Open, admitting the loss hit him harder than expected. The Serbian star, who was chasing a record-extending 25th major title, fell in five sets to the rising Italian, marking a rare early exit at Roland Garros.
Djokovic, known for his mental resilience, revealed in a post-match press conference that the defeat left him grappling with unexpected emotions. "This one hurt more than I thought it would," he admitted. "I’ve had tough losses before, but this one felt different. Maybe it’s because of what was at stake, or maybe it’s just the accumulation of everything this season."
A Battle of Generations
The match itself was a grueling four-hour, 39-minute marathon, with Sinner ultimately prevailing 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Djokovic, who had been dealing with a knee issue earlier in the tournament, struggled at times with his movement but refused to blame physical limitations for the loss. "Jannik played better when it mattered most. He deserved it," Djokovic conceded.
The defeat marked a significant shift in the men’s tennis landscape, as Sinner, 22, became the youngest French Open finalist since Rafael Nadal in 2008. Djokovic acknowledged the changing of the guard, stating, "The younger guys are coming, and they’re hungry. Jannik, Carlos [Alcaraz], Holger [Rune]—they’re pushing us older guys to our limits."
Reflections on the Future
At 37, Djokovic faced inevitable questions about his future in the sport, particularly at Roland Garros, where he has won three titles. While he dismissed immediate retirement talk, he admitted, "I don’t know how many more years I’ll play here. Every season, I assess my body, my motivation, and my goals. Right now, I still love competing, but I’m also realistic."
He outlined key factors that will influence his decision to continue:
- Physical condition: "If my body allows me to compete at the highest level."
- Mental drive: "The fire has to still be there."
- Family considerations: "My kids are growing up, and I want to be present for them."
The Emotional Toll
Djokovic, usually composed in defeat, was visibly emotional during his post-match speech, thanking the crowd in a voice thick with emotion. "I don’t often show this side, but this tournament means a lot to me," he said. "The support here has been incredible, and I wanted to give them one more big run."
His coach, Goran Ivanišević, later revealed that Djokovic had been unusually affected by the loss. "He’s usually the first to move on, but this one lingered. It’s a sign of how much he still cares," Ivanišević told reporters.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Djokovic confirmed his intention to compete at Wimbledon, where he is the defending champion. "I’ll take a few days to recover, then shift focus to grass. I’ve always loved the challenge of adapting to different surfaces," he said.
Tennis analysts have speculated whether this loss signals a decline for Djokovic, but the man himself remains defiant. "I’ve been written off before. People said I was done in 2017, then again in 2021. I’ve proven them wrong every time," he said with a smirk.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Perspective
Djokovic ended his press conference on a reflective note, emphasizing gratitude. "I’ve had an incredible career. Wins, losses—they all shape you. This one hurts, but it’s part of the journey. I’ll learn from it and come back stronger."
As the tennis world processes this moment, one thing remains clear: Djokovic’s passion for the game is undiminished. Whether he lifts another Grand Slam trophy or not, his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest competitors is already secure.
For now, fans can expect to see him back on court soon, chasing history once again. As he put it, "The story isn’t over yet."