'Tank feels half empty': Djokovic admits to physical struggles in straight-sets defeat to Sinner

Getty, Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-tying eighth Wimbledon title has been stopped in its tracks by Jannik Sinner, beaten 6-3 6-3 6-4 on Centre Court.

38-year-old Djokovic, playing his 14th semifinal at the All England Club, evidently had his movement impeded from the beginning of the match and Sinner was able to capitalise.

“Quite a bit,” Djokovic replied when asked post-match if he felt physically compromised.

“Honestly, [it] wasn't really a pleasant feeling on the court…I do feel disappointed that I wasn't able to move as well as I thought or hoped that I would.”

Whilst admitting that his body was not at its optimal level, the Serbian gave full credit to his 23-year-old opponent, who is into his first Wimbledon final.

“I want to congratulate Jannik for another great performance. He’s in the finals. He was too strong," Djokovic stated.

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Further discussing the state of his body in 2025, Djokovic suggested it’s only natural for him to struggle when going deep at the majors.

“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, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest,” he shared.

And despite not being where it once was, Djokovic’s physical condition still remains strong enough to beat almost everyone on tour, bar two men.

“I reach the final stages, I reach the semis of every Slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz…these guys are fit, young, sharp,” he said of the duo that will face off in their second straight major final on Sunday in London.

“I feel like I'm going into the match with a tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that.”

Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinals, but the match took so much out of him that he retired in the final four.

He has since been overcome by Sinner in consecutive major semifinals in straight sets.

However, Djokovic believes his best level can still compete with anyone, and he expects to return to Wimbledon in 2026.

“I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So, I'm planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court for sure.”

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