The seven-time champion's hopes of making it into a 39th Grand Slam singles final were shattered as he succumbed 6-4 6-4 6-4 to Sinner in a comprehensive victory for the Italian, who totally outclassed the 39-year-old throughout. As the 39-year-old left Centre Court to a standing ovation, speculation immediately followed about whether the Serbian great had played his last match on grass. Asked whether he would be back next year, he declared: \u201cI would like to, at least one more time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Let\u2019s see.\u201d Despite admitting it had been \u201ca good old blowout\u201d defeat, Djokovic insisted his desire to compete at the highest level had not diminished. \u201cOf course, I\u2019m disappointed. I wanted to win Wimbledon. That\u2019s the reason why I\u2019m still pushing myself so hard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Serb, whose last major title was the US Open last year, highlighted the positives from reaching the last four, and in particular his victory over third-ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of what I achieved three nights ago. Felix is number three, fourth player in the world. Proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sinner, though, was too good this afternoon and Djokovic said he would not dwell on the result. \u201cI reached the last four of Wimbledon. Losing in straight sets against the best player in the world, okay.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It is what it is. But the tournament was positive in terms of the attitude on the court, the fighting spirit, the dedication.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI mean, it\u2019s still there.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic conceded he was not at his peak against Sinner but stressed it would not dampen his motivation. \u201cA little bitter taste stays as I wasn\u2019t at the desired level today.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But we turn the next page and we move on.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Djokovic conceded he was not at his peak against Sinner but stressed it would not dampen his motivation. \u201cA little bitter taste stays as I wasn\u2019t at the desired level today.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
I do it because I really want to and because I still can. I still can play as a top-10, top-5 player.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n