Novak Djokovic shared some blunt opinions over his loss to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday.
Following a battle of two hours and 21 minutes at the Wimbledon semi-final on the Centre Court, Sinner claimed a spot in the finals after a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Djokovic. After falling short in his pursual for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, the Serb reflected on his loss with brutally honest statements during the post-match press conference.
When asked whether he felt he was being hit back-to-back during the match, Djokovic simply said that Sinner was the better player.
“I mean, I was just half a step late basically in any shot, so… It’s very 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’s not much I could do on the court,” said Novak Djokovic.
He further revealed if he would come back to the tournament next year, saying:
“I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.”
Later, Djokovic was asked how he handled Sinner’s serve, given Sinner’s reputation as one of the greatest returners in tennis history. Smiling, he said that he was the best returner, adding:
“Was, was. That’s the reality. Was, was.”
Novak Djokovic shuts out journalist after being called ‘tired’ during the Wimbledon semifinal
During the post-match press conference, a reporter suggested that Novak Djokovic may have looked tired during the Wimbledon semi-final and asked whether he still believed he could continue competing at the highest level.
Rejecting the suggestion, the 39-year-old shut down the reporter’s comment, stating that he was ‘wrong’ and made it clear that he didn’t agree with his opinion.
“I just said you’re wrong. I don’t agree with your opinion. I’m always competitive. Always give my best. Under the circumstances sometimes it looks from outside more, sometimes less. Only I know what I go through internally and what it takes to be able to still play at this level,” said Novak Djokovic.
He further expressed his disappointment over the loss, adding:
“Of course, I’m disappointed. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I’m still pushing myself so hard. But I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it. Obviously tough one. Once you get out of the court, it’s tough one to kind of accept. But it is what it is. 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. I mean, he was playing so solid from all ends.”
Novak Djokovic opened his Wimbledon campaign on June 29 with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Wu Yibing. He went on to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderknech, Roman Safiullin, and Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the semi-finals.
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