Novak Djokovic drops major retirement hint after devastating French Open exit

Djokovic appeared in control after taking the opening two sets, but the Brazilian produced a remarkable turnaround to seal a 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory and record the biggest win of his career.

The result marks Djokovic's earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament since the US Open in 2024 and immediately raised fresh questions about how much longer the 39-year-old intends to continue competing at the highest level.

When asked during his post-match press conference whether he expected to return to Roland Garros next year, Djokovic offered a brief and uncertain response.

"I don't know," he said.

The three-time French Open champion then gave the same answer when asked if he would be content for Friday's defeat to be his final appearance at the tournament.

While Djokovic was reluctant to discuss retirement in detail, the Serbian admitted the emotional support from spectators during the closing stages of the match left a lasting impression.

"Tough to reflect on this right now, if you all would understand me," Djokovic said when asked about his legacy at Roland Garros.

"But at the same time, there were a couple of times where I felt like I was barely standing on my legs towards the end of the match, and looking at the crowd and seeing them lift my spirits and support me was something really magical, honestly.

"So when I take out all the disappointment and negative thoughts about the match, there's a lot to be proud about, what I've been through, what I experienced.

"I'm very grateful for this kind of experience."

The comments are likely to fuel speculation surrounding Djokovic's future, despite previous assurances that retirement is not currently on his mind.

Earlier this season, the world No 4 insisted he still possessed the motivation required to continue competing against the sport's younger stars.

"Why stop as long as I still have the fire, the flair, the quality and the motivation?" Djokovic said at Indian Wells.

Nevertheless, Djokovic has previously indicated that the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles could represent a natural point to bring an extraordinary career to an end.

The Serbian continues to chase a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, having fallen agonisingly short on several occasions since winning the US Open in 2023.

Defeats to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon and the Australian Open denied Djokovic further major success, while Friday's defeat represents another painful setback.

Djokovic was also quick to dismiss suggestions that the exits of tournament favourites Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz had increased his belief that another French Open title was within reach.

After being asked whether the draw had opened up following Sinner's defeat and Alcaraz's withdrawal through injury, Djokovic immediately shut down the discussion.

"I don't care. I don't care. I'll stop you right there," he said.

"No. Just lost the third round. Let's just talk about something else. Thank you."

Despite the disappointment, Djokovic remained gracious in defeat and was seen sharing a warm exchange with Fonseca after the match.

The Serbian later revealed he had congratulated the teenager on a performance that justified the growing excitement surrounding his career.

"I congratulated him and told him that he deserved to win and played an unbelievable match, and he should be proud of himself and wished him good luck for the rest of the tournament," Djokovic said.

"The kind of level of tennis we've seen him play created a lot of hype around him, and I think we have all seen today why there is hype around him.

"So, yeah, just the level was amazing."