Djokovic says he wants to play Wimbledon again: "At least one more time"

Novak Djokovic left Wimbledon defeated but not discouraged this Friday (10), after Jannik Sinner dominated the Serb in the semi-final, ending his hopes of winning a record 25 Grand Slam titles.

As seven-time tournament champion Djokovic left Center Court to a huge ovation after losing 3 sets to 0 (partial 6/4, 6/4 and 6/4), many of those present may have wondered if the 39-year-old would ever compete in Wimbledon again.

Admitting after the match that it was "a real beating", Djokovic certainly didn't sound like someone ready to end an extraordinary career.

"I would like to come back, at least one more time. Let's see," a subdued Djokovic told reporters when asked if he would continue facing the new generation as a 40-year-old player at the 150th edition of Wimbledon next year.

Although Djokovic came very close to reaching his impressive 39th Grand Slam singles final, the fact is that very few players can beat him.

Even world number 1, Sinner, lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open this year and, on Tuesday (7), the Serb beat Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded number 3, in the longest match of this edition of the tournament.

"Of course I'm disappointed. I wanted to win Wimbledon. That's why I keep trying so hard," said Djokovic, whose 24th Grand Slam title came at the 2023 US Open.

"I'm proud of what I managed to do three nights ago. Felix is number three, the fourth best player in the world. I proved to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level - and I did."

"I got to the semi-finals of Wimbledon. Losing in straight sets to the best player in the world, that's fine. That's part of it. But the tournament was positive in terms of my attitude on the court, my fighting spirit and my dedication. I mean, all of that is still there."

Now, Djokovic will reorganize and focus his attention on the last Grand Slam of the season, the US Open.

"It leaves a bit of a bitter taste, because today I wasn't able to play at the level I wanted. But we turned the page and moved on," he said.

"I don't feel pressure and no one is forcing me to play. I do this because I really want to and because I can still do it. I can still compete as a top 10, top 5 player. Let's see what the future holds."

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Source: CNN