Novak Djokovic shut down a reporter in a feisty press conference moments after losing his Wimbledon semi-final to defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday. The seven-time champion was defeated 6-4 6-4 6-4, a similar scoreline to his loss to Sinner a year ago.
The 39-year-old Serbian was initially upbeat, admitting he was beaten "by a better player" and expressing hope of returning to Wimbledon after turning 40. However, he took issue with a journalist who described the match as a "blowout" and suggested Djokovic appeared more competitive this year than in 2025.
Djokovic's Heated Exchange
When the reporter noted Djokovic had reached the Australian Open final in January compared to four semi-finals in 2025, Djokovic immediately shouted "wrong!" The journalist continued: "Today maybe you were tired. What are your feelings about it? Do you feel that really you can go on and on or not?"
Djokovic doubled down: "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 the 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."
He added: "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."
Assessing His Performance
Djokovic reflected on the match, saying: "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. I mean, serve, very difficult to read his serve, incredible weapon has become last couple years since he changed his technique."
He compared his recent Grand Slam results to his illustrious career: "Last year I reached four semi-finals. This year, out of three slams, I reached one final and one semi-final. I guess for 99 per cent of the players, that would be a very good Grand Slam result. For me, it's good but not good enough, because I'm blessed and cursed to be used to something of a highest degree in terms of results and achievements."
Future Plans and Retirement Speculation
Djokovic addressed his future: "I still enjoy the thrill of competition. Maybe I don't enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain, physically mostly. I'm glad that this tournament, the body held pretty well. Pretty much every other tournament in the last two years it was always something."
He added: "I feel when I'm healthy, I'm still able to play as a top-five player, still able to compete at the highest level. I like it. I like this life. I mean, tennis has given me everything in my life and has allowed me an opportunity to become who I am."
"I don't have any pressure or no one is forcing me to play. I do it because I really want to and because I still can. I still can play as a top-10, top-five player. Let's see what's future brings."
