At 38, Novak Djokovic’s stirring semi-final battle at the 2025 French Open may well have marked the end of an era at Roland Garros. Despite a valiant effort and flashes of brilliance, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was defeated in straight sets — 4-6, 5-7, 6-7(3) — by the in-form World No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Friday.
What followed on Court Philippe-Chatrier was an emotional and symbolic moment: Djokovic set down his bag, waved to the crowd, and then knelt to touch the clay, a quiet, poignant act that set off speculation — was this his final bow in Paris?
🔹 “Not Sure I’ll Be Back Next Year” — Djokovic Opens Up
Speaking after the match, Djokovic acknowledged the uncertainty about his future at the French Open:
“Do I wish to keep playing? Yes, I do. But will I be able to return in 12 months’ time? I’m not sure. That’s all I can say for now.”
The emotion in his voice underscored what fans had long feared — that Djokovic’s historic Roland Garros chapter may be drawing to a close. With 3 French Open titles and countless iconic moments on the clay, Djokovic’s relationship with Paris has been storied, yet often demanding.
🎾 Plans for Wimbledon and US Open, But Future is Murky
Djokovic confirmed his immediate focus is on Wimbledon and the US Open, tournaments where he feels he has a stronger shot:
“Wimbledon has always been my childhood favourite. I’ll do everything I can to get myself ready.”“My best chances may be at Wimbledon or perhaps in Australia.”
His remarks reflect a calculated transition, prioritising surfaces and tournaments where his body can hold up better. Despite no major wins since the 2023 US Open, he has remained competitive, reaching the Wimbledon final in 2024, and capturing Olympic gold last year in Paris.
⚠️ A Difficult Season, Signs of Wear
Djokovic’s 2025 clay season was particularly challenging:
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Second-round exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters
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A modest ATP 250 win in Geneva
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A valiant quarter-final win over Zverev at Roland Garros
Still, his loss to Sinner underscored the growing generational shift. Sinner’s clinical performance left little room for Djokovic to find rhythm, and with 53 unforced errors, the signs of physical strain were evident.
🏆 The Last of the Big Three
As of now, Djokovic is the only active member of the legendary “Big Three”:
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Roger Federer retired in 2022
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Rafael Nadal stepped away in 2024, citing persistent injuries
Djokovic’s longevity has already etched him in tennis history, but the question of how long he can continue chasing his 25th Grand Slam title now looms large. He has nothing left to prove, but clearly still feels the pull of greatness — and perhaps, a fitting farewell on his own terms.
As fans await his next step, Wimbledon 2025 now looms as potentially one of Djokovic’s last Grand Slam pushes, a chance to recapture magic at the venue he cherishes most.
Whether or not he returns to Roland Garros, Friday’s emotional moment may have been the beginning of a goodbye.
