Novak Djokovic has expressed his determination to return to Wimbledon next year, even as he faces the prospect of competing at the age of 40 following a disappointing defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
In Friday’s match, Djokovic seemed to struggle against the world No. 1, losing in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. However, he maintained a resilient attitude after the match, asserting that he has demonstrated his ability to compete among the elite players.
“Losing in straight sets against the best player in the world, OK, it is what it is,” said Djokovic. “It’s the reality you have to accept. But the tournament was positive in terms of the attitude on the court, the fighting spirit, the dedication. I mean, it’s still there.
He added, “It’s the reality you have to accept. But the tournament was positive in terms of the attitude on the court, the fighting spirit, the dedication. I mean, it’s still there. “I’m glad that this tournament, the body held [up] pretty well. Pretty much every other tournament in the last two years it was always something. “That’s the main thing. I feel when I’m healthy, I’m still able to play as a top-five player, still able to compete at the highest level. I like it. I like this life. I mean, tennis has given me everything in my life and has allowed me an opportunity to become who I am.”
Djokovic emphasized that when he is healthy, he believes he can still perform at a top-five level. “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see. “Last year I reached four semi-finals. This year, out of three slams, I reached one final and one semi-final. I guess for 99% of the players, that would be a very good grand slam result. “For me, it’s good but not good enough, because I’m blessed and cursed to be used to something of the highest degree in terms of results and achievements.” he stated.
When questioned about his plans for next year, he responded, “Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition,”
Reflecting on his recent performances, Djokovic noted, “Maybe I don’t enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to a big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain, physically mostly. I still can play as a top-10, top-five player. “I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I’m still pushing myself so hard. But I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it. “I’m proud of what I achieved three nights ago. Felix is fourth player in the world. I’ve proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have.”
Despite this, he acknowledged his own high standards, saying, “For me, it’s good but not good enough, because I’m blessed and cursed to be used to something of the highest degree in terms of results and achievements.”
He highlighted several positives from his Wimbledon journey, particularly his arduous quarter-final victory over world No. 4, Felix Auger-Aliassime, which lasted five hours and 15 minutes.
“Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition,” he said. “Maybe I don’t enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to a big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain, physically mostly. I still can play as a top-10, top-five player.
“I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I’m still pushing myself so hard. But I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it,”
“I’m proud of what I achieved three nights ago. Felix is the fourth player in the world. I’ve proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have.”
