Uncertain Future: Novak Djokovic Reflects on Potential Last Appearance at Roland-Garros Following Semi-Final Defeat

“Do I want to play more? Absolutely. But whether I’ll be able to compete here in 12 months, I’m not sure,” Djokovic continued. “I mentioned it could have been my last match here, but I didn’t declare it was.”

He also confirmed his intentions to take part in Wimbledon and the US Open, although his future plans remain uncertain beyond that.

The world No.6 was outperformed in the initial two sets, although there was a moment in the third when the seasoned Grand Slam champion could have posed a challenge to Sinner.

Djokovic was incensed over a line call during Sinner’s serve at 4-5, where a critical backhand of his was ruled out during a crucial juncture of play when the score was deuce.

The chair umpire even emerged from his seat to examine the mark after Djokovic raised his concerns. Sinner approached the net, affirming that he believed the ball had sailed wide.

“You can see it! There’s no space there!” Djokovic protested. “What are you talking about?”

“Can I speak now?” the umpire queried. “You see the entire mark? There is a slight gap. The ball is out.”

“It’s a close call, Novak, we both agree! It’s not. It is very close, but there’s a gap.”

If Djokovic had been awarded that point, he would have secured a set point, subsequently granting him a legitimate chance to prolong the match.

Ultimately, the incident had no impact on the set or match outcome, as Sinner maintained his serve and clinched the third set in a tie-break.

Djokovic was vying for a record-extending 38th Grand Slam final and his eighth in Paris, a city where he has triumphed three times prior. However, during much of the semi-final, he found himself positioned behind the baseline, tirelessly sliding and grunting as Sinner kept him darting from side to side.

“I felt constantly under pressure, and he never allowed me the time to make a solid connection with the ball. He was always on the baseline, forcing me to defend,” Djokovic stated.

“That’s why he is the No. 1 player in the world. I wish him all the best in the final. I believe it will be an extraordinary matchup with him and Carlos, two of the best players currently.”

Sinner cemented his place in history as the second Italian man to reach the final at Roland-Garros since the Open Era began in 1968, following Adriano Panatta, the champion of 1976.

Earlier, Alcaraz was leading 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when Lorenzo Musetti, the eighth-seeded Italian, pulled out due to a leg injury. Musetti was troubled by his left leg and was trailing 5-0 after only 16 minutes into the third set when he called for a trainer.

Alcaraz broke Musetti’s serve in the next game, wrapping up the set in just 21 minutes, winning 24 of 29 points.

“Winning a match like this isn’t ideal. Lorenzo is a fantastic player,” Alcaraz commented. “I wish him all the best.”

Musetti requested the trainer again after the third set, and after Alcaraz broke his service to take a 2-0 lead, Musetti slowly approached the net for a hug from Alcaraz.

“I noticed at the start of the third, when serving, that I was losing a bit of strength in my left leg,” Musetti mentioned. “I’ll have tests done tomorrow.”

Frustration crept in for Alcaraz during the second set, culminating in him delivering a side-footed kick at his changeover seat.

“The first two sets were really challenging,” Alcaraz reflected. “Winning the second set brought me relief.”

Musetti reached only his second major semi-final after his previous stint at Wimbledon last year. Alcaraz, however, affirmed that he feels in top physical condition as he approaches the final.

“Feeling really good. It’s been three intense weeks, but I’m feeling great,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence at the moment.”

Alcaraz has now improved to 21-1 on clay this year, having won titles on the red dirt in Rome—where he defeated Sinner in the final following Sinner’s return from a doping ban—and in Monte Carlo.