Novak Djokovic bites back at reporter over Wimbledon claim as he makes retirement decision

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Novak Djokovic cut an irritable figure during his press conference after being knocked out of Wimbledon by Jannik Sinner.Djokovic was competing at the All England Club for what would have been a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles honour – the most of any man or woman.Djokovic’s Wimbledon run came to end against SinnerGettyHowever, he was beaten 6-4 6-4 6-4 by world no. 1 Sinner in the semi-finals and has now gone four years without a Wimbledon title.When conducting his media duties after the defeat on Centre Court, Djokovic, whose 24 Grand Slam singles wins is tied with Margaret Court, appeared to be irked by a line of questioning.You must be Djok-ingA reporter said: “This year you seem to be more competitive, in a way, than last year, apart from today…“Wrong,” Djokovic interjected, with the reporter then adding: “Maybe you were tired.“What are your feelings about it? Do you really feel that you can go on and on, or not?”“I just said you were wrong, I don’t agree with your opinion,” Djokovic reiterated. “I am always competitive, always give my best under the circumstances. “Sometimes it looks from (the) outside more, sometimes less, but only I know what I go through internally and what it takes to be able to still play at this level. “Of course, I’m disappointed and of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon. That’s the reason why I am still pushing myself so hard, but I just lost to a better player and I have to accept it. “Obviously a tough one. Once you get out of the court, it’s a tough one to accept, but it is what it is. “I don’t… I’m not upset with myself, I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong, I was just a level or two worse than he is. View Tweet: https://x.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw“He was playing so solid from all ends, and his serve… very difficult to read his serve. “It has become an incredible weapon the last couple of years, since he changed his technique. “And of course, he’s as solid as anyone, really, from the back of the court, and that’s it.”One last dance at Wimbledon?Now at 39-years-old, there is a growing belief that Djokovic could be closing in on retirement from tennis.He is still one of the world’s top players, but Sinner has shown that, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, a new crop of greats are coming through.Djokovic is yet to have officially stated when he plans to call time on his illustrious career, in which he has won the most Grand Slams ever by a man – two more than Rafael Nadal.Djokovic hopes to make at least one more appearance at WimbledonGettyHowever, it doesn’t look as though his retirement will come in the immediate future.When asked if he intends to return to Wimbledon in 2027, he said: “I would like to, at least one more time. Let’s see.”Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.Zverev won in straight sets against home favourite Arthur Fery, who reached the semi-finals despite entering as a wildcard.