Novak Djokovic has refused to comment on whether he will be at Roland Garros next year after the Serb lost in five sets to Joao Fonseca.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will not make it 25 in Paris. The three-time Roland Garros champion lost a five hour marathon to Joao Fonseca on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Djokovic was comfortably heading to victory after having a two set lead on the young Brazilian but Fonseca burst into life and sealed a remarkable win.
After the match Djokovic gave his assessment on the contest and praised Fonseca detailing why he will be the future of the sport, “Well, an incredible match to be part of. Obviously, tough one for me to lose being 2 sets to love up, but huge credit to Joao for really deserving to win the match,” Djokovic said in his press conference.
“I think he, without a doubt, was the better player in important moments in those crucial fourth and fifth. Some amazing exchanges and points. Yeah, he just found incredible shots, lines. It was just amazing from his side. Obviously not great for me to be facing a player playing in such level, but yeah, I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong with my game. It’s just that he was just better.
“The kind of level of tennis we’ve seen him play created a lot of hype around him, and I think we all seen today why there is hype around him. So, yeah, just the level was amazing. Things have to come together. You know, of course, he’s very professional from what I’ve seen so far, the last couple of years he’s been on the tour, which is preconditioned for success. Talent, he’s got firepower. He’s got the whole Brazilian nation cheering him up, so there’s a lot of excitement around him, rightfully so.
“So hopefully he can be the next great thing, you know, win slams. Definitely wish to see that.”
As for Djokovic, the Serb’s hope of winning a 25th Grand Slam will move onto Wimbledon after he was unable to defeat Fonseca.
Heading into Roland Garros Djokovic had only played one match on clay this season which was a defeat to Dino Prizmic in Rome.
Djokovic reflected on his preparation heading into Paris and although he took the positives out of the experience ultimately the Serb is left disappointed, “The amount of hours I’ve played in three matches here felt like I played every tournament in last three months, to be honest. So, yeah, I think I was playing good tennis, really good level,” Djokovic explained in his press conference.
“Considering I was injured for three months and trying to come back and then, you know, going pretty much straight into Grand Slam on this surface that is very demanding and, for me, takes more time to get used to, to kind of find my groove. You know, taking everything in consideration and all the circumstances, I think the level was really good. I mean, I was happy with my level.
“Tough to reflect on this right now, if you all would understand me. But at the same time, a couple times where I felt like I was barely standing on my legs towards the end of the match, and looking at the crowd and seeing them lift my spirits and support me was something really magical, honestly.
“So when I take out all the disappointment and negative thoughts about the match, you know, there’s a lot to be proud about, what I’ve been through, what I experienced, you know. I’m very grateful for this kind of experience.
“Of course, right now being disappointed right off the court, losing, being close to win it.”
It will be disappointment for Djokovic as he was close to the second week and giving himself a chance of winning the title with Jannik Sinner out of the picture.
The big question is will this be Djokovic’s last ever Roland Garros? That’s an answer that Djokovic refused to comment on, “I don’t know,” Djokovic emphatically responded when asked the question.
Next up for Djokovic will be Wimbledon which starts on Monday 29th of June.
