Novak Djokovic Says He May Have Played His ‘Farewell Match’ At Roland Garros

Father Time is undefeated and, like it or not, he is coming for 38-year-old Novak Djokovic.

After the Serb suffered a straight-sets loss to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the French Open semifinals, Djokovic was emotional leaving the court and they said it may have been his “farewell match” at Roland Garros.

“This could have been the last match, ever, I played here,” Djokovic said in a news conference. “That’s why I was a bit more emotional in the end. But if this was the farewell match of the Roland-Garros for me and my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”

Djokovic was seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, but instead lost in straight sets in a Slam semifinal for the first time since 2010 (Tomas Berdych).

He figures to remain a threat at Wimbledon, which he has won seven times and begins June 30.

“He walked off the court like we’re not sure if he’s going to be back,” John McEnroe said on TNT. “Maybe he’s not sure if he’s going to be back.”

“He’s the GOAT but will he be willing to accept that he can’t really beat these guys anymore?”

Sinner now holds a 5-4 career edge on Djokovic, while Djokovic leads Carlos Alcaraz 5-3.

Those two 20-somethings will meet in Sunday’s final and will make it six straight majors won between them.

Asked about possibly ending Djokovic’s career in Paris, Sinner said, “Well, first of all, we hope that that’s not the case because I feel like tennis needs him. But if that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this because it’s part of history also. But let’s hope that that’s not the case. He said maybe so you never know.”

Djokovic’s three leading rivals – Roger Federer (20 Slams), Rafael Nadal (22) and Andy Murray (3) – have all retired and Roland Garros honored Nadal at the start of the tournament by permanently adding his footprint to the Philippe Chatrier court. The Spaniard won 14 of his 22 major titles at Roland Garros.

As he forged a career worthy of GOAT status in men’s tennis, Djokovic has long called Nadal his biggest rival.

“For me, it’s been very difficult to stay motivated to compete after his retirement,” Djokovic said on the eve of the tournament, per Puntodebreak.com. “Honestly, I didn’t think it would affect me this way, but I feel like a part of me has gone with him, and it’s been a huge challenge for me to regain the joy on the court and the strength to continue competing.

“When Rafa left tennis, I felt something I’d never experienced before. I thought, ‘What do I do now?’ On the court, I’ve felt discouraged, but luckily, I’ve found other things that inspire me to continue, and after six months, I can say that I feel much better.”

Going forward, it remains to be seen how much longer Djokovic keeps playing.