Wimbledon 2026 results: Novak Djokovic ‘good but not good enough’ after Jannik Sinner beats him in semi-finals

Djokovic said he hoped to return “at least one more time” and ultimately still beat players who, in theory, should have time and youth on his side.

He was relaxed about many aspects of this year’s championship, from batting sessions in the outfield with his son to joking around with a ball girl during a second-round game.

It also feels like there’s been a change in the way the crowd greets him.

For a while, Djokovic took on the role of villain, disrupting the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry that had so captivated fans. Djokovic, who was more emotional and vocal, sometimes received hostile reactions just for beating them.

He struggled to win over the crowd in his surprising Wimbledon final victory over Federer in 2019 and felt disrespected by the fans’ chants in his match against Holger Rune two years ago.

However, this year he has been the favorite in almost every match. They pulled him as the match against Auger-Aliassime was getting tougher. They roared his nickname: “Nole! Nole!” – whenever he reaches breaking point against Sinner.

The winner was well supported as always. But it felt like Djokovic was the one who won the hearts of the crowd.

“We’ve been watching this guy for over twenty years and how many times have we heard the whole crowd?” [chant] ‘Nole, Nole’?” said Agassi.

“He’s getting the respect he deserves now. I love that. What these guys are doing now is because of what he showed was possible.”

As he left the court, Djokovic placed his hand over his heart and hit it once before waving to each corner.

He knows the hour is running out. He will be 40 at next year’s Wimbledon. Ken Rosewall (39 years and 234 days old) became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open era.

But Djokovic wants to continue for now.

“There is no pressure on me or nobody is forcing me to play,” Djokovic added. “I’m doing this because I really want to and I can still be in the top five.

“Let’s see what the future brings.”