Novak Djokovic ‘Disappointed’ After Jannik Sinner Dashes His 25th Grand Slam Dream at Wimbledon: “Tough One to Accept”

Wimbledon was considered the best chance for Novak Djokovic to end his Grand Slam drought. But once again, a player named Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz dashed his dream of a 25th Major.

On Friday (July 10), Sinner clinched his seventh win over Nole in a convincing fashion. With scores of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, Sinner improved his head-to-head record over the 24-time Grand Slam champion to 7-5 and reached back-to-back finals at SW19.

I am always competitive. I always give my best under the circumstances. Sometimes it looks from outside more, sometimes less. But only I know what I go through internally and what it takes to be able to still play at this level. Of course I’m disappointed. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I’m still pushing myself so hard. I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Sinner, who will face Alexander Zverev in the final, is chasing his fifth Grand Slam title. It was the South Tyrol native who defeated Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon semifinal as well.

Obviously a tough one. Once you’re off the court, it’s a tough one to kind of accept. But it is what it is. I don’t… I’m not upset with myself. I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong. I was just a level or two worse than he is. He was playing so solid from all ends. Very difficult to read his serve. Incredible weapon it’s become the last couple years. And of course he’s as solid as anyone from the back of the court. That’s it.

Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic entered the Centre Court as an underdog, but perhaps everyone had expected a five-set thriller. In their previous meeting, in the semifinals of this year’s Australian Open, Sinner, chasing a three-peat, lost in five sets to the 39-year-old.

But prior to the clash with the defending champion, Djokovic played in the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history. The 39-year-old eliminated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set battle that ended not before five hours and 15 minutes, and didn’t get much time to rest.

Novak Djokovic hopes to play Wimbledon one more time

Novak Djokovic has often spoken about when he wants to hang up his racket. He wishes to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and then call time on his glorious career.

After recent Grand Slam upsets, he expressed uncertainty about his future. But after his Wimbledon defeat, he said at the press conference that he wished to return to SW19 at least once more.

I’d like to. At least one more time. Let’s see… I was just half a step late, basically, on any shot. It’s as simple as that. He was just a level or more better than I was. I was just not sharp enough. Not reactive enough. Not balanced enough to play him. That’s it. There was not much I could do on the court.

Djokovic last won a Major at the 2023 US Open. The same year, Carlos Alcaraz denied him the Calendar Grand Slam with a five-set win at Wimbledon, and the following year, it was the seven-time Grand Slam champion who stopped him from winning his eighth title at the grass-court Major. Djokovic last won at Wimbledon in 2022.

After his win over Jannik Sinner in this year’s Australian Open semifinal, Djokovic lost to Alcaraz in the final. The 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal remains the last Big Title that Djokovic won. He beat Alcaraz in straight sets in that final.

Also read: Linda Noskova Struggles to Describe her Feelings Heading into her First Wimbledon Final: “I Don’t Really Know”