Novak Djokovic applauds the French Open crowd after his loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros in Paris. (AP)
Novak Djokovic , 38, hinted at a potential farewell to Roland Garros after his defeat in the French Open semi-finals against world number one Jannik Sinner on Friday. The three-time champion lost 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) and took a moment to express gratitude to the Paris crowd after the match. Because of the loss, but, you know, I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd, because they were terrific, not the happiest. Because i feel like tennis needs him in a way, “We hope that it’s not the case,.
He said ‘maybe’, so you never know.” Djokovic paused briefly while leaving Court Philippe Chatrier, showing appreciation to the spectators in what could have been his final appearance at the prestigious tournament. “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. But if this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd. Despite his occasionally strained relationship with the Parisian public, Djokovic praised the unprecedented support he received during the match. “Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favourite tournament. I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chances (of winning) maybe are Wimbledon, you know, to win another Slam, or faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.