**Novak Djokovic Shares Emotional Reflection After French Open 2025 Loss to Jannik Sinner**
Following his 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) semi-final defeat to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the French Open 2025 on June 6, Novak Djokovic opened up about the emotional weight of the moment, hinting it might have been his final match at Roland Garros. In a poignant gesture captured by BBC Sport, Djokovic paused before exiting Court Philippe-Chatrier, setting down his racquet bags to touch the clay and wave to all four stands, soaking in the crowd’s unprecedented support. “This could have been the last match I ever played here—I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional at the end,” he told reporters, per Express.co.uk. “The atmosphere and support I got from the crowd against the best players was the most I’ve ever received here.”[]
Djokovic, 38, clarified he wasn’t confirming retirement, stating, “I said it could have been my last match, not that it was. I’m planning for Wimbledon,” per Tennis.com. Despite a patchy 2025 season, including early exits in Doha and Monte Carlo, his performance against Sinner showcased his enduring fight, with 35 winners and a 41-shot rally win, though a leg issue required a medical timeout, per ATP Tour. A controversial third-set tiebreak line call sparked a heated umpire dispute, with Sinner intervening to calm tensions, per The Guardian. Djokovic admitted to missed opportunities, particularly two flubbed second-serve returns at 0-30 in the second set, which he later rued, per The Athletic.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6409129/2025/06/06/sinner-djokovic-french-open-result-analysis-alcaraz/)
Sinner, who extended his Grand Slam win streak to 20 matches, praised Djokovic’s “amazing” level, saying, “He’s a role model for young players. I had to play my best tennis,” per ATP Tour. Djokovic expressed pride in his effort, noting, “I wasn’t in great form coming into Roland Garros, but I thrived in these big moments,” per BBC Sport. As he prepares for Wimbledon 2025, where he was 2024 runner-up, Djokovic’s emotional farewell underscored his gratitude and uncertainty about his Roland Garros future.[
