Novak Djokovic dismissed any prospect of retirement after being outclassed by Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s Wimbledon final. The Serbian walked out on Centre Court with the opportunity to avenge his five-set defeat at the hands of the Spaniard last year, only to be blown away 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4).
The 37-year-old only managed one break of serve throughout, and that came after Alcaraz had fashioned three Championship points at 5-4 up in the third set.
But despite fighting back from the brink to force a tie-break, the show of defiance proved short lived as the 21-year-old further upped the ante when it mattered most to claim his fourth Grand Slam crown.
That tally is still 20 short of the record-breaking Djokovic, but the emergence of a new marquee star in tennis has led to suggestions of a changing of the guard. But in his post-match media conference, the Serbian icon vowed to continue to compete at the top level.
Djokovic was pressed on his comments on court over the microphone, where he praised his family and coaching team, saying: “I love you guys, let’s keep going.” And he’s now confirmed that he is already targeting the tournament at SW19 in 2025.
As far as coming back here, I mean, I would love to,” he said. “I don’t have anything else in my thoughts right now that this is my last Wimbledon. I really want to play at least whatever. I don’t have any limitations in my mind. I still want to keep going and play as long as I feel like I can play on this high level.
Despite his unparalleled Grand Slam success, this month Djokovic will target one major honour that has eluded him throughout his career, an Olympic gold medal. The tournament in Paris takes place at Roland Garros, the same venue where he had to withdraw from this year’s French Open with a knee issue that put his Wimbledon participation in doubt right up until the 11th hour.
“Yeah, let’s keep it going because I still keep going,” he added. “I still have intentions to play Olympic Games, hopefully have a chance to fight for a medal for my country. On a completely different surface obviously, going back to the place where I got injured some weeks ago. Let’s see.
Let’s see how physically and mentally I’m going to feel. Hopefully I can find the right tennis ’cause I’m going to need all I have and more to go to the final of the Olympic Games
Djokovic is renowned for his dedication to training and his physical wellbeing, notions that suggest he still has years ahead of him on the ATP Tour. He also remains a win away from surpassing Margaret Court, who holds the most Slam titles of any male or female player with 24.
But if he doesn’t prevail at the US Open this year, he will go the full calendar year without winning a Grand Slam. The last time he competed in all four major tournaments without winning silverware was in 2010.
