French Open 2025: Novak Djokovic soaks in the love as he hints at Paris farewell, points to Wimbledon as his best shot at a Grand Slam

Time of India

2 hours ago

Novak Djokovic applauds the French Open crowd after his loss to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final at Roland Garros in Paris (Image via AP)
The Times of India at Roland Garros
: On his way out of Court Philippe Chatrier for probably the last time in his storied career,
Novak Djokovic
dropped his bags, turned to the packed house and applauded them.
Then, before exiting the arena where he has thrice reigned, the 24-time Major winner tapped the ground and patted his chest, showing his love for Roland Garros and Paris.
Djokovic - who had the near 15,000-strong crowd pulling for him in the
French Open
semifinals on Friday night when he faced the world No.1 Jannik Sinner - said his action was appreciation.
'Just a great sense of gratitude for the kind of support that I received tonight,' he said.
'Incredible, I don't think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world. The crowd were terrific in moments when it seemed like it was going all of his way, they would lift me up and encourage me and give me strength to keep going and fight to the last ball, which I did.
'
'This could have been the last match I played here, that's why I was a bit more emotional in the end,' Djokovic said.
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Djokovic's loss to the 23-year-old Sinner may reflect a straight-set scoreline, but the Serb was just 15 points behind the Italian in the total point count, that's how evenly balanced the last-four clash was.
Djokovic, who was asked about his calendar, reiterated that Grand Slams were the priority at this stage in his career.
Poll
Did Djokovic's loss to Sinner surprise you?
Yes, I expected him to win.
No, Sinner is a stronger player.
'Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favorite tournament. I'm going to do everything possible to get myself ready.
My best chances maybe are Wimbledon to win another Slam or a faster hard court, maybe Australia,' he said.
The world No.6, looking for a historic 25th major title, said the plan was to play the Grand Slams this year, Wimbledon and then the US Open.
Novak Djokovic after losing to Jannik Sinner at the French Open (Image via X)
Djokovic, who called for a trainer during the semifinal, said he was dealing with a muscular issue throughout the tournament. 'It was bothering me a little bit in some long matches.
It's a muscular issue,' he said.
The Serbian superstar said matches against Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz force you to go for more. 'That's what these kinds of guys Sinner and Alcaraz particularly present on the court. They put pressure, so they're constantly on you and basically increase the pressure as the match progresses,' he said. 'So when the opportunities are presented, it makes you a little more anxious, you want to go for the shot.
'
Djokovic said that while there may be some similarities in Sinner's and his playing styles, they were very different players. 'When I was at my best, I was also playing quite fast all the time. But he's different,' he said. 'With Alexander Zverev (in the quarters) I felt like I had a bit more time from the baseline,. With Jannik, no. No time. So you have to constantly be at your best.'