Novak Djokovic makes 'last Wimbledon' admission, sets two goals and makes pledge after Carlos Alcaraz defeat

Novak Djokovic Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic was forthcoming in his post-match interview after being crushed by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of Wimbledon on Sunday.

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 15/07/2024

- 11:34

Updated: 15/07/2024

- 12:06

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The Serb lost in straight sets on Sunday

Novak Djokovic was forthcoming in his post-match interview after being crushed by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of Wimbledon on Sunday.

The world No 2 was comprehensively outplayed by his young opponent, with Alcaraz winning 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) to secure his second crown on Centre Court.


Djokovic is yet to win a Grand Slam this year and there are question marks over whether he's now starting to wane.

But when asked about this year's Wimbledon potentially being his last, the 37-year-old insisted that wouldn't be the case.

Novak Djokovic Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic was forthcoming in his post-match interview after being crushed by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of Wimbledon on Sunday.

PA

“As far as coming back here, I mean, I would love to,” he said.

“I don't have anything else in my thoughts right now that this is my last Wimbledon.

"I really want to play at least whatever. I don't have any limitations in my mind. I still want to keep going and play as long as I feel like I can play on this high level.”

Djokovic won't have long to reflect on his defeat, which prevented him from drawing level with Roger Federer on eight Wimbledon triumphs.

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The Olympic Games are creeping closer, with the Serb hoping to win his first gold medal at the fifth attempt out in Paris.

Djokovic says he's already targeting US Open glory as he chases a maiden major of 2024.

However, he confessed he must up the ante in order to compete with the likes of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

“The Olympic Games and US Open are the two big goals for the rest of the year for me really," he said.

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“I’m hoping I can be at my best in those two tournaments, yeah. That’s all I can say right now.

“I mean, being able to reach the finals of Wimbledon, of course, it’s a great confidence boost.

"But I also feel like in a match-up today against [the] best player right now in the world for sure, I mean, other than Jannik [Sinner], and both of them are the best this year by far, I feel like I’m not at that level.”

Djokovic isn't one to shy away from a challenge, though. Despite losing the most Grand Slam finals he's also won the most with a staggering 24 to his name.

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Novak Djokovic Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic has set his sights on winning Olympic gold and another US Open following his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz

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And the most successful player on the planet has pledged to keep fighting.

"In order to really have a chance to I guess beat these guys in Grand Slam latter stages or Olympics, I’m going to have to play much better than I did today and feel much better than I did today," he added.

"I’m going to work on it. It’s not something I haven’t experienced before ever in my life.

"I’ve had so many different experiences throughout my career. In the face of adversity, normally I rise and I learn and get stronger.

Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic lost in straight sets to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon

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"That’s what I’m going to do.”

Alcaraz, meanwhile, looks set to dominate for many years to come.

The 21-year-old looks unstoppable and is now the favourite to become the poster boy of the sport. Whether he can win a fifth Grand Slam at the US Open later in the year remains to be seen.

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