Following his most recent encounter, Novak Djokovic spoke candidly about how his performance has suffered due to aging and physical wear.  “It’s not bad luck, it’s simply age and wear,” he stated.  Despite these difficulties, Djokovic thinks he can still play tennis at the highest level when he is healthy and fresh.

 He also gave his opponent, Jannik Sinner, a lot of praise, acknowledging that Sinner would have been the favorite even if he had been at his best.  However, I believe my chances would have been strong.  “Jannik made it to the final because he was just stronger,” Djokovic continued. “I want to congratulate him.”

Djokovic has had injuries more frequently recently.  He acknowledges feeling exhausted while taking good care of his body, a fact he finds difficult to accept.  “In the past year and a half, I’ve felt it more than ever,” he said.

Djokovic, however, emphasizes that he plays his best tennis at Grand Slam tournaments and maintains his confidence in his skills while healthy.  However, he failed to reach the final this season despite repeatedly reaching the semifinals.

 “But then I have to face players like Sinner or Alcaraz,” he said.  “These men are young and in good shape.  I feel as though I enter these bouts with a partially depleted tank.  With each defeat and injury, Djokovic, who is currently 38, is being asked more and more if he would retire.  At Wimbledon, he had set his sights on winning his 25th Grand Slam championship, thinking it would be his greatest opportunity to date.

Djokovic is still optimistic despite not reaching his objective this time.  “I hope this wasn’t my last match on Centre Court,” he stated.  “I definitely want to come back at least one more time.”

 Conversely, Jannik Sinner advanced to his first Wimbledon final and will play Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.  Earlier this year, Sinner had lost to Alcaraz in the French Open final.

“I always watched this tournament on TV as a kid,” the Italian said, expressing his pleasure and amazement.  I never imagined that I would make it to this final.  Additionally, he recognized Djokovic’s physical state, pointing out that the Serbian was obviously not playing at his best.