Tennis
Novak Djokovic planning Wimbledon return despite semi-final defeat
Novak Djokovic revealed he would like to play at Wimbledon “at least one more time” after his chastening semi-final defeat by Jannik Sinner.
The Serbian, who will be 40 next year, saw his latest bid for grand slam title number 25 ended in clinical fashion by the world number one.
A 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory in two hours and 20 minutes – or “a good old blow-out”, as Djokovic put it – sent Sinner through to Sunday’s final against Alexander Zverev.
Asked if he intended to come back next year, the seven-time champion said: “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.”
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals or better in six of his past seven grand slams, a remarkable feat for a man born the year Pat Cash won Wimbledon.
But he cuts an increasingly listless figure at the sharp end of the tournaments, with the rigours of a fortnight of best-of-five-sets tennis taking its toll, not least that late-night, five-hour slog against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-final.
That seemed to be the story here again. Sinner has not exactly been convincing this fortnight, but his relentless power and penetration proved simply too much for Djokovic.
After the fever dream that was Arthur Fery competing in the first semi-final had passed, this was supposed to be Wimbledon getting back down to business.
But the heavyweight contest, between the world number one and defending champion and the 24-time grand slam winner, was almost as one-sided as Zverev’s victory.
“I mean, I was just half a step late basically in any shot, so it’s as simple as that,” added Djokovic.
“He was just a level or more better than I was. I was just not sharp enough, not reactive enough, not balanced enough to play him. That’s it. There’s not much I could do on the court.
“I was feeling physically fine. Maybe not the freshest, obviously, like at the beginning of the tournament, but I was physically all right.
“He was a much better player on the court and was the dominant force. You just have to hand it to him and say ‘congrats, well done’.”
Sinner, who goes into his second Wimbledon final as a big favourite to retain the title having beaten Zverev in their last nine meetings, said Djokovic remains an inspiration.
“It’s so amazing to see him still producing this kind of level,” said the 24-year-old Italian.
“The match he played with Felix, I was watching. The level was so high. It’s a true inspiration for all of us and also the younger generation, how much a good mindset can do to your body and mind as well.”
