Novak Djokovic drops hint about last French Open after semi-final exit to Jannik Sinner

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, may have subtly signaled his final French Open appearance following a straight-sets semi-final defeat to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Djokovic, relentlessly pursuing a record 25th major title, had displayed vintage form just days prior, overcoming World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in a thrilling four-set quarterfinal battle (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4). This victory set up a clash with the in-form Sinner, who entered the match without dropping a single set throughout the tournament.

Sinner maintained his impeccable Roland Garros run, overpowering the Serbian icon 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) to secure his spot in the final against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. While the focus shifts to that blockbuster matchup, Djokovic's poignant actions after the match concluded sparked immediate speculation about his future at the clay-court major, leaving fans worldwide contemplating a potential farewell.

A poignant farewell? Novak Djokovic's emotional Roland Garros moment

As the final point settled and Sinner celebrated his hard-fought victory, an extraordinary scene unfolded on the storied Parisian clay. Djokovic, acknowledging his conqueror, was then enveloped by a thunderous, heartfelt standing ovation from the Philippe-Chatrier crowd. Visibly moved by the outpouring of appreciation, Novak Djokovic stood near the net, waving warmly to the fans, his expression reflecting a deep mix of gratitude and emotion.

Then came the moment that resonated far beyond the match result. Before departing the court he has graced so many times, Djokovic walked towards the baseline. He crouched down, placing his hand firmly on the red clay surface. For several seconds, he remained in that position, head slightly bowed, seemingly soaking in the atmosphere and the feel of the terre battue beneath his fingers.

He then looked up towards the Parisian sky, a gesture laden with unspoken meaning, before finally rising and walking off. This deliberate, almost ceremonial act, touching the very earth of Roland Garros, was widely interpreted as a potential farewell to the tournament, hinting that this could be his last appearance on this hallowed ground, perhaps soon joining the retired Roger Federer and the absent Rafael Nadal in stepping away from the Parisian stage.

The battle's tale

The match itself underscored the challenge Novak Djokovic faced. Sinner's powerful and precise game proved decisive. The Italian fired an impressive 10 aces past the Serb, doubling Djokovic's tally of four. Sinner also dominated the winner count, unleashing 44 clean winners compared to Djokovic's 35. While the statistics favored the younger champion, Djokovic battled fiercely throughout the encounter, displaying the resilience and skill that has defined his legendary career.

Although his quest for a fourth Coupe des Mousquetaires and that elusive 25th Grand Slam title ended in the semi-finals, Novak Djokovic competed throughout the tournament with the heart of a champion. Facing Sinner, arguably one of his toughest opponents this fortnight, proved an insurmountable hurdle on this occasion. His exit leaves Paris with a significant question mark hanging over the future participation of one of the sport's greatest icons, symbolized indelibly by that final, touching moment on the clay.