“Tennis needs him”: Jannik Sinner urges Novak Djokovic to stay after emotional exit from French Open

Jannik Sinner remains hopeful that Novak Djokovic has not played his last match at the French Open on Friday. The 38-year-old suffered a defeat to the reigning world number one in the semifinal of the second Grand Slam of the year in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6.

After the defeat, Djokovic stood in the centre of the court and waved to the spectators sitting in the arena to thank them for their support. While talking to the media later on, he admitted that Friday’s encounter might well turn out to be his last at Roland Garros.

“I mean, this could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know,” said Djokovic. “That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. But if this was the farewell match of Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”

Sinner, who will be playing in his third consecutive Grand Slam final on Sunday against Carlos Alcaraz, while talking to the journalists, expressed optimism that Djokovic will return to Paris in the future as well. The 23-year-old underlined the importance of Djokovic and stated that the sport ‘needs’ players like him.

“First of all, we hope that that’s not the case,” said Sinner. “I feel like tennis needs him. Having someone different than the younger guys. My point of view is it’s so nice to see him in the locker room and having this energy of everything. I saw him practicing a couple of days ago. He’s very precise in everything he does. He’s a true role model for all of us. If that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this. Because it’s a part of history also. Also for me, it’s nice to be part of this. Let’s hope it’s not the case. He said maybe, so you never know.”