‘Tank Half Empty, Heart Still Full’: Novak Djokovic Vows Wimbledon Return After 2025 Semi-Final Exit

LONDON, 26 January 2026 – Novak Djokovic has insisted Wimbledon has not seen the last of him, declaring his intention to return to the All England Club in 2026 following a straight-sets semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner last July. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, now 38, conceded that the “wear and tear” of age is impacting his ability to compete physically in the latter stages of majors but remains defiant about his future at the tournament he has won seven times.

The Nasty Fall and a Compromised Semi-Final

Djokovic’s 2025 Wimbledon campaign was derailed by a dramatic fall during his quarter-final victory over Flavio Cobolli. While serving for the match, the Serbian slipped on the grass, suffering what he later described as a “nasty” and “awkward” fall into a painful-looking split. Although he finished the match, he cancelled his scheduled practice the following day, citing concerns over the delayed impact of the injury. This physical setback proved significant, as a hampered Djokovic fell 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to a ruthless World No. 1 Sinner in the semi-finals. He received treatment on his upper left leg during the third set and admitted afterwards that he felt “compromised” and unable to move as he had hoped.

Confronting Reality, Planning a Comeback

In a reflective post-match press conference, Djokovic offered a candid assessment of his physical challenges. “I don’t think it’s bad fortune,” he stated. “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.” He explained that the best-of-five format at Grand Slams has become a “real struggle,” leaving him feeling like he enters matches against the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz with a “tank half empty.”

Despite this, his commitment to Wimbledon remains unwavering. When asked if his emotional wave to the Centre Court crowd was a farewell, he was unequivocal: “I would be sad [if it was], but hopefully it’s not my last match on Centre Court. I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. I’m planning to come back definitely at least one more time.”

Novak Djokovic: Key Facts & 2025 Season Snapshot

The New Landscape & The Road Ahead

Djokovic’s exit at the hands of Sinner underscored a shifting dynamic in men’s tennis. The Italian, who also defeated him in the 2025 French Open semi-finals and the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals en route to the title, has established a firm upper hand in their recent rivalry. Djokovic acknowledged the duo of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are “several levels above everyone right now.” For the first time since 2017, a Wimbledon final was played without Djokovic, with Sinner falling to the defending champion Alcaraz. The Serbian’s immediate focus appears to be managing his body and schedule to peak for the Grand Slams, with the US Open also on his 2026 agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Novak Djokovic retiring after Wimbledon 2025?

No. Djokovic has explicitly stated he is not retiring and plans to return to Wimbledon “at least one more time” in 2026. He ruled out his 2025 loss being his final match on Centre Court.

What was the reason for his loss to Jannik Sinner?

Djokovic cited a combination of factors: the lingering effects of a nasty fall in his previous match, the general “wear and tear” of his 38-year-old body, and the supreme physicality and youth of his opponent, Jannik Sinner. He admitted he was not able to move at his desired level.

How many Wimbledon titles does Djokovic have?

Novak Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022). He is one title behind Roger Federer’s men’s record of eight.

What is Novak Djokovic’s current world ranking?

As of late January 2026, Novak Djokovic is ranked World No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings, behind Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev.