'Reality Hits me Right Now': Novak Djokovic Makes Startling Comments After Exiting Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic failed to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time since 2017 after Jannik Sinner swept him aside 3-6 3-6 4-6 on Centre Court. There were question marks about the tennis legend’s fitness during the match. However, seeing the seven-time Wimbledon champion be so thoroughly beaten still felt shocking after his years of dominance. Djokovic made some interesting remarks in his press conference afterward.

Djokovic on his Injury

The 24-time Grand Slam winner suffered a nasty fall in the closing stages of his quarterfinal against Flavio Cobolli. That seemed to impact him as the contest with Sinner went on, and Djokovic confirmed he did not feel great on throughout it.
“It wasn’t a pleasant feeling on the court. But I don’t want to talk about in details of my injury and whine about not managing to play my best. I want to congratulate Jannik for another great performance. That’s it. He’s in the finals, he was too strong. I feel disappointed I wasn’t able to move as well as I thought or hoped I would.”

Djokovic on the Reality of Aging Hitting him

Djokovic talked candidly during the press conference about realizing how much his age impacts him physically, despite continuing to do all the right things off the court. After years of being the world’s best and most consistent player, that is challenging for him to accept.

“I don’t think it’s bad fortune. It’s just age. The wear and tear of the body. As much as I’m taking care of it, the reality hits me right now the last year and a half like never before to be honest. It’s tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I’m fresh and fit I can still play very good tennis. I’ve proven that this year. Playing best of 5 particularly this year has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes the worse the condition gets. I reached the semis of every slam this year. I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I’m going into the match with the tank half empty. It’s not possible to win the match like that. It is what it is.”

Djokovic on Whether he has Played his Last Wimbledon

Tennis fans might be worried that Djokovic could retire soon after his downbeat comments about trying to match Alcaraz and Sinner’s physicality. However, the ten-time Australian Open champion intends to play at Wimbledon at least one more time.
“I would be sad, but hopefully it’s not my last match on Centre Court. I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. I’m planning to come back definitely at least one more time.”