Djokovic v Sinner live: French Open result as Alcaraz final awaits

“I mean, it was bothering me a little bit throughout this tournament in some long matches. It’s a muscular issue that needed to be looked at and was worked on.

“But I guess the deeper you go into tournaments, the more physically exhausting matches you have, the more you’re going to, I guess, worsen the problem in a sense.

“But it wasn’t, you know, giving me too much of a trouble. So I wouldn’t say it was a hindrance to my game. I still could move almost 100%. So it was okay. I wouldn’t give it too much attention, to be honest.”

As Novak Djokovic departed Court Philippe-Chatrier after his defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner in the French Open semi-finals, the 38-year-old stooped to lower his bags before turning to all four sides of the stadium. In a moment not dissimilar to Rafael Nadal’s final exit from Roland Garros in 2024, Djokovic paused and applauded the reception he had received. He then stopped again to brush the clay with his hand, an intimate gesture that may have revealed a clue to his future.

“This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”

“First of all, we hope that it’s not the case, because I feel like tennis needs him. Having someone different than the younger guys and my point of view, it’s so nice and amazing to see him in the locker room, and then having this energy of everything.

“I saw him practicing yesterday, you know, or couple of days ago. He’s very precise in everything he does. It’s a true role model for all of us.

“But if that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this, because it’s a part of history also. But let’s hope that’s not the case, no? He said “maybe,” so you never know. “

Djokovic said he plans to play Wimbledon and the US Open but added that he has no other tournaments on his schedule at the moment looking ahead to 2026

“ Well, at the moment I will try to stick with the plan what I had, which is play the Grand Slams. Those tournaments are the priorities of my schedule, my calendar. Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in plans.

“That’s all I can say right now. I’m going to, unless something, I don’t know, happens, whatever. But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I’m not so sure.”

“This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know. That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end.

“But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.

“I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I going to ‘keep on keeping on’.

“Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know.”

Novak Djokovic said his French Open semi-final defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner could have been his final match at Roland Garros as he sparked suggestions that he is nearing retirement.

The 38-year-old was denied in his bid to a win a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles title as Sinner held on to win in straight-sets.

Djokovic took his time leaving the court, waving to the crowd, and said he felt “gratitude” for the support he received during the loss.

The Serbian said he wants to play this season’s Wimbledon and US Open but could not guarantee that he would continue playing into the 2026 season.

The top-two players in the world have reached the finals in both the men’s and women’s singles at a single Grand Slam event for the first time since the US Open 2013 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka).

The Italian added: “My head-to-head lately doesn’t look great against Carlos, but let’s see what I can do.

“I am happy to be here in the final, and we will see what we can do.

“Of course, I enjoy these moments. These are rare and special moments in my career.

“This is a special place for me. Thank you for being so nice to me throughout the full tournament.”

The 23-year-old said that it was ‘special’ to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam.

During his on court interview he said: “Well, first of all, thank you so much for coming and for supporting us, me and Novak.

“It was such a special occasion for me playing against Novak in a semi-final of a Grand Slam.

“It was so amazing, I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. It shows again what a role model for all of us, especially for young players.

“What he is doing is incredible. I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. We are so lucky to see him play high-level tennis.

“He achieved so many things. He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing.

“Of course, I tried not to think about this, but before you’re on court you feel the tension. I tried to prepare myself in the best possible way.

“I am very happy with how I did that today.”

The development of Jannik Sinner from talented teenager to dominant World No 1 has been measured through his meetings with Novak Djokovic.

His early defeats to the most successful men’s player of all time, for example, taught the Italian how far there was to go.

His victory over Djokovic in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals was the moment that opened the door to his first of three grand slam titles.

Now, at the French Open, the 23-year-old looks on the cusp of more greatness after a steely 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory against his elder rival.