At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic continues to defy expectations, but hints of retirement loom on the horizon for the Serbian tennis legend. Following a gripping semifinal match at the French Open, where he faced the world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and lost in straight sets, Djokovic expressed the possibility that this could have been his final appearance at Roland-Garros.
After the match, Djokovic reflected emotionally on his experience, stating, “This could have been the last match, ever, I played here. That’s why I was a bit more emotional in the end.” He appreciated the atmosphere and the overwhelming support from the crowd as he bid farewell, even if temporarily, to the famed clay courts.
Sinner triumphed over Djokovic with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), clinching the victory with a thrilling tiebreak. Throughout the match, Djokovic demonstrated his resilience, rallying the crowd who cheered him on passionately, especially after a remarkable point in the second set that drew a standing ovation.
Despite the loss, Djokovic’s remarkable career remains unmatched with 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, including a record 10 Australian Open victories, and he recently achieved a career Golden Slam by securing his first Olympic gold at Roland-Garros during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Earlier in the 2025 tournament, Djokovic celebrated his 100th win at the French Open, a milestone that only Rafael Nadal has surpassed in the tournament’s history. With Nadal’s retirement last year and a recent special ceremony where the two, along with Roger Federer and Andy Murray, paid tribute to the Spanish legend, Djokovic stands as the sole active player of this storied quartet. However, the prospect of his impending retirement adds a bittersweet note to his illustrious career and the sport.
As Djokovic contemplates his future, fans continue to rally behind him, hoping for at least one more chance to witness his greatness at Roland-Garros.