'Reality hits me right now' - Novak Djokovic accepts age catching him up following Wimbledon 2025 exit

Overview

• Novak Djokovic failed to enter the final of Wimbledon for the first time since 2018
• The Serbian lost to the world number 1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets by 3-6, 3-6, 4-6
• The 7-time Wimbledon Champion accepted that age is finally catching up with him

Novak Djokovic faced a semifinal exit at Wimbledon 2025 at the hands of Jannik Sinner, as he lost in the straight sets by 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 at the Centre Court on July 11. It was Djokovic's first instance of failing to enter the final of a Wimbledon since 2018. At no point in the big match did he seem to have had a chance against the Italian, who had a dominant outing.

After the big loss, the 38-year-old appeared in the post-match conference, where he was asked if he was unfortunate in big matches, just like the Australian Open earlier this year. Novak felt it was rather age that had caught him up. He claimed that reality hits hard as he hasn't been at his best since 2024.

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Djokovic claimed it was hard to accept as he felt he was still playing very good by being fresh and fit, but could not match the fitness of Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner. The 7-time Wimbledon champion claimed his recent matches against the duo have felt as if half of his tank has been empty even before the contest.

Read More: Wimbledon 2025: Iga Swiatek qualifies for her first final, Aryna Sabalenka crashes out

Djokovic claimed it was hard to win matches with that feeling. He felt the time had come for him to accept reality and try to make the most of what was left in his career. Djokovic's last Grand Slam win came at the French Open 2023. Since then, he hasn't been able to overcome the juggernaut of Sinner and Alcaraz.

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"Playing best of 5, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically" - Novak Djokovic

"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," Djokovic said.

"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, and sharp. I feel like I’m going into the match with the tank half empty," the veteran added.

"It’s not possible to win the match like that. It is what it is. It’s one of those things you have to accept and embrace in some way. Deal with reality the way it is and try to make the most out of it," the Serbian concluded.