After losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the French Open 2025 semi-final on 6 June, Serbian legend Novak Djokovic indicated that he may have played his “last match ever” at Roland-Garros. Sinner defeated Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3), bringing an end to the 38-year-old’s dream of a 25th Grand Slam title.
Despite his competitive streak, the veteran player was no match for the World No. 1’s athleticism and energy, and was comprehensively defeated in Friday’s clash. After the match, as he packed up his belongings, Djokovic paused.
He placed his racquet bags gently on the clay, touched the surface with his hand, and stood in silence before waving to a packed Parisian crowd that had backed him vocally throughout. The moment was seen as the Serbian bidding farewell to the Roland-Garros tournament, where he has won three titles in his illustrious career.
In the post-match press conference, Djokovic tackled the question of French Open retirement, saying, “This could have been the last match ever I played here – I don’t know. That’s why it was a bit more emotional at the end.”
Novak Djokovic Bows Out In Style At French Open 2025
Facing top seed Jannik Sinner, a decade younger and in sublime form, Djokovic went toe-to-toe against the Italian. In the second set, Djokovic played multiple long rallies and saved a number of break points to keep the contest alive, eventually losing out in the third set tie-break.
The crowd at Paris, however, was firmly in Djokovic’s corner. In the second set, after forcing two break points, the entire crowd at Philippe Chatrier erupted with chants of “Nole, Nole”, while many rising for standing ovations.
Even after the final ball was struck, confirming the Serb’s defeat, the ovation continued, as did the cheers for the veteran player.
Djokovic himself said that he would like to continue his career a bit further. “Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do,” he said in the press conference. “But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know.”
