For many fans, the result came as a surprise. Djokovic had survived a grueling tournament and once again reached the final four at the All England Club, but against Sinner he looked physically below his usual level.

Now, several days after the tournament, Novak Djokovic has finally explained why he believes he was unable to compete at his best. The comments have sparked an interesting controversy.

Why did Novak Djokovic lose to Jannik Sinner?

In an interview with CBS, Novak Djokovic admitted that his body simply could not recover after an exhausting quarterfinal victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. That match lasted more than five hours, leaving the Serbian legend with little time to prepare physically for the semifinal.

“The body is responding differently. That’s just biology. The wear and tear of the 20 plus years at the highest level is just taking its toll. It takes more time for me to recover. After that 5-hour and 15-minute quarterfinals, I just couldn’t fully recover for the semifinals. I wasn’t as fresh as I wanted to be.”

Despite acknowledging his physical struggles, Djokovic refused to use them as an excuse. Instead, he made it clear that Sinner deserved full credit for both the semifinal victory and eventually lifting the Wimbledon trophy. “Not to take anything away from Sinner, who won and won the tournament. It’s just different nowadays.”

Now, with the pressure of chasing a first major title behind him, Zverev has produced an impressive run at Wimbledon 2026 and reached the final at the All England Club.

At 29 years old, the German star has now reached the final of all four Grand Slam tournaments, underlining his versatility and ability to compete on every surface. However, the challenge is massive facing Jannik Sinner.

How many Grand Slam titles has Alexander Zverev won?

Alexander Zverev has won one Grand Slam title in his career. His first major championship came at Roland Garros in 2026, where he captured the French Open title and ended years of near misses at the biggest tournaments in tennis.

That victory over Flavio Cobolli in the final represented a defining moment in Zverev’s career, confirming that he could finally convert his talent and consistency into a Grand Slam triumph.

Before that title, he had reached multiple Grand Slam finals and consistently competed at the highest level, but he had been unable to secure a major championship. The Roland Garros victory removed a significant burden from his career narrative and established him as a Grand Slam champion.

Has Alexander Zverev reached the final of every Grand Slam?

Yes. Alexander Zverev has reached the final of all four Grand Slam tournaments. This accomplishment highlights his consistency and versatility across different surfaces: hard courts, clay, and grass.

Sinner arrives as the favorite after producing a dominant performance throughout the tournament, including a convincing straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. The Italian has looked especially comfortable on grass and is seeking to defend the Wimbledon title he won in 2025.

Zverev, however, enters the final with momentum of his own after capturing his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros earlier this year. The German star now has the opportunity to complete a remarkable major-title double by adding Wimbledon to his 2026 French Open triumph.

What happens if Jannik Sinner loses today vs Alexander Zverev?

If Jannik Sinner loses to Alexander Zverev, he will miss the chance to win a second Wimbledon title in his career. Even with a defeat, Sinner would maintain his position as the world No. 1 in the ATP rankings.

However, the result would create an interesting situation in men’s tennis: both Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev would have won two Grand Slam titles in the last calendar year without holding the top ranking.

For Zverev, a victory would mean winning his first Wimbledon title and the second Grand Slam title of his career. It would also complete a remarkable double of Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles in the same year, significantly strengthening his legacy.

What happens if Sinner wins today vs Zverev in Wimbledon 2026?

If Jannik Sinner wins, he will capture his second Wimbledon title and the fifth Grand Slam title of his career. A victory would further solidify his status as one of the dominant players of his generation and confirm his ability to defend a major title on grass.

With five Grand Slam titles, Sinner would move within two majors of Carlos Alcaraz, another leading star of his generation, adding even more intrigue to the rivalry between the two young champions.

After a disappointing campaign at the 2026 French Open, the Italian star looked unstoppable on grass. The clearest example of his form was his dominant 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals.

Sinner defeated Zverev, who finally won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros and arrived in London with confidence and momentum. A historic victory which gave Jannik another important step in his race to chase legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

How many Grand Slam titles has Jannik Sinner won?

Jannik Sinner has won five Grand Slam titles in his career. His major titles include victories at the Australian Open in 2024, the US Open in 2024, the Australian Open in 2025, and Wimbledon in 2025 and 2026.

Which Grand Slam has Jannik Sinner not won?

The only Grand Slam title that has eluded Jannik Sinner so far is Roland Garros. Although he has performed well on clay, the French Open remains the missing piece in his quest to complete a career Grand Slam.

How many Wimbledon titles has Jannik Sinner won?

Jannik Sinner has won Wimbledon twice, capturing his first title at the All England Club in 2025. By reaching the 2026 final and winning it, Sinner now has defended. That also gave him five Grand Slam titles and further strengthen his position among the elite players in men’s tennis.

How to watch Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev in the USA

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, or Tennis Channel through a valid cable or satellite television subscription.

Those looking to stream the match can watch on ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV Stream, or Fubo. Don’t miss a second of what promises to be an exciting showdown.

Can I watch Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev for free?

Catch every moment live across the United States with Fubo or DirecTV Stream, which both provide eligible new users with an exclusive five-day free trial offer.

Wherever you are located nationwide, these platforms allow you to watch the entire matchup in real time, from the opening kickoff until the closing whistle.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Wimbledon men’s final delivers the matchup tennis fans have been waiting for, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev battling for the third Grand Slam title of the season.

Sinner reached the championship after a commanding straight-set win over Novak Djokovic, while Zverev advanced by defeating surprise semifinalist Arthur Fery in impressive fashion.

Now, the two stars will meet with one of tennis’ most prestigious trophies on the line. Don’t miss this must-watch championship clash.

What time is the Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev match?

The match kicks off today, July 12, at 11:00 AM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 11:00 AM
Central Time: 10:00 AM
Mountain Time: 9:00 AM
Pacific Time: 8:00 AM

Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending Wimbledon champion, produced an outstanding performance and now enters the final against Alexander Zverev as the clear favorite to win the tournament.

Djokovic’s loss naturally raised questions about his future in professional tennis, particularly given his age and the significance of Wimbledon in his legendary career.

Will Novak Djokovic retire?

No. Novak Djokovic has not announced his retirement following his semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon 2026. After the match, Djokovic indicated that he still hopes to compete at Wimbledon again next year. “I’d like to. At least one more time. Let’s see.”

Djokovic openly acknowledged that Jannik Sinner was the better player in the semifinal. “I was just half a step late basically on any shot. It’s as simple as that. He was just a level or more better than I was. I was just not sharp enough. Not reactive enough. Not balanced enough to play him. That’s it. There was not much I could do on the court.”

What did the loss vs Jannik Sinner mean for Novak Djokovic?

The defeat prevented Novak Djokovic from reaching another Wimbledon final and from adding to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally. Had he won the tournament, he would have tied Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and secured his 25th major championship. Despite the disappointment, Djokovic’s comments indicate that he still has the motivation to compete at the highest level.

What’s next for Novak Djokovic?

For now, Novak Djokovic’s immediate focus will likely be on recovering and evaluating his schedule for the remainder of the season. The US Open is the next challenge ahead.

His desire to return to Wimbledon in 2027 suggests that he still believes he can compete with the best players in the world, even after a difficult loss to Jannik Sinner.

While retirement speculation is inevitable whenever a veteran player exits a major tournament, Djokovic’s own words make it clear that he has not closed the door on another Wimbledon appearance.

For Djokovic, the stakes could not be higher. At 39 years old, he is pursuing his eighth Wimbledon title and what would be his record-extending 25th Grand Slam championship. Achieving both would further cement his status as one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner arrives at Wimbledon after a disappointing showing at Roland Garros, but he has looked extremely solid on grass throughout the tournament. The Italian star is aiming to successfully defend the Wimbledon title he won in 2025.

When is the Djokovic vs Sinner semifinal at 2026 Wimbledon?

The Wimbledon 2026 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner is scheduled for Friday, July 10. The winner of the match will advance to the Wimbledon final, where he will face the winner of the other semifinal between Alexander Zverev and tournament surprise Arthur Fery.

This matchup represents a fascinating contrast of generations and playing styles. Djokovic brings unmatched experience, mental toughness, and a remarkable record at the All England Club, where he has dominated for much of the past decade. It’s important to remember Djokovic won against Sinner earlier this year at the Australian Open.

Sinner, on the other hand, represents the new generation of tennis stars. His powerful baseline game and improved movement on grass have made him one of the most dangerous players on tour.

What is at stake for Novak Djokovic?

A victory would put Novak Djokovic one step closer to another historic achievement. Winning Wimbledon 2026 would give him an eighth title at the All England Club, tying the tournament’s all-time record with Roger Federer. It would also represent his 25th Grand Slam title, an extraordinary milestone that would further separate him from every other player in tennis history.

How to watch Jannik Sinner vs Jan-Lennard Struff in the USA

Viewers across the United States can watch the match live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, or Tennis Channel with a valid cable or satellite TV package.

Fans who prefer streaming can tune in through ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, or Fubo. Be sure to catch every moment of this thrilling contest.

Can I watch Jannik Sinner vs Jan-Lennard Struff for free?

Catch all the action live in the United States through Fubo or DirecTV Stream, both offering an exclusive five-day free trial for qualifying first-time subscribers.

No matter where you are in the country, either service lets you stream every minute of the showdown live, from kickoff all the way to the final whistle.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

One of Tuesday’s top quarterfinal matches at Wimbledon 2026 features world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is looking to extend his dominant run and secure a spot in the semifinals. After surviving a five-set opener, the Italian has won every match since in straight sets.

Standing in his way is Jan-Lennard Struff, who has already knocked off Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz and now hopes to deliver another major upset against the tournament favorite.

What time is the Jannik Sinner vs Jan-Lennard Struff match?

The match kicks off today, July 7, at 8:00 AM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:00 AM
Central Time: 7:00 AM
Mountain Time: 6:00 AM
Pacific Time: 5:00 AM

How to watch Jannik Sinner vs Shintaro Mochizuki in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch the match live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and Tennis Channel through cable or satellite providers.

Those looking to stream the action can tune in with ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, or Fubo. Make sure to catch every moment of this highly anticipated contest.

Can I watch Jannik Sinner vs Shintaro Mochizuki for free?

American viewers can catch this exciting showdown live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, both offering eligible new users a free five-day trial.

Offered across the country, either streaming option lets fans follow all the action live, from the opening kick to the match’s closing moments.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner enters the Wimbledon Round of 16 in dominant form after rebounding from a tough five-set opener with back-to-back straight-set victories. The Italian now takes on Shintaro Mochizuki.

The Japanese player has enjoyed an impressive run of his own, winning his first two matches in straight sets before advancing in four sets in the third round. With both players playing well, Mochizuki now faces his toughest challenge yet against the tournament favorite.

What time is the Jannik Sinner vs Shintaro Mochizuki match?

The match kicks off today, July 5, at 11:20 AM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 2:20 PM
Central Time: 1:20 PM
Mountain Time: 12:20 PM
Pacific Time: 11:20 AM

Jannik Sinner struggled with dizziness and was beaten by 56th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 after wasting two chances to serve for the match. On Novak Djokovic‘s side, he was defeated by Joao Fonseca, who became the first teenager to beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam. He did it with power, poise, and from two sets down, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.

With these results and the recent victory of Alexander Zverev, the fourth-round matchups are nearly set. Zverev will face Jesper de Jong, and Joao Fonseca will go up against Casper Ruud. Sinner’s conqueror is the only one left to play, as Juan Manuel Cerundolo will face Martin Landaluce in search of his ticket to the fourth round.

Updated bracket

The defeats of Novak Djokovic, who spoke about his retirement, and Jannik Sinner, who made no excuses regarding the schedule, surely position Alexander Zverev as one of the ultimate favorites to take home the Grand Slam. Here is how the bracket looks for the remainder of this great French Open:

Third Round (May 29-30)

• Juan Manuel Cerundulo vs. Martin Landaluce
• Matteo Berrettini vs. Francisco Comesana
• (19) Francis Tiafoe vs. Jaime Faria
• Raphael Collignon vs. Matteo Arnaldi
• (4) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (31) Brandon Nakashima
• Moise Kouame vs. Alejandro Tabilo
• (10) Flavio Cobolli vs. (18) Learner Tien
• (25) Francisco Cerundolo vs. Zachary Svajda

Round of 16 (May 31-June 1)

• (11) Andrey Rublev vs. (26) Jakub Mensik
• (28) Joao Fonseca vs. (15) Casper Ruud
• Pablo Carrena Busta vs. (27) Rafael Jodar
• Jesper de Jong vs. (2) Alexander Zverev

Remaining dates

The scheduled dates for the upcoming rounds of the Roland Garros are set for the following days, with the Quarterfinals taking place on June 2-3, the Semifinals on June 5, and the final on June 7. There are still many interesting players to watch, though the tournament feels a bit strange without the main protagonists present.

Sinner eventually fell 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 in a match that completely changed after the Italian held a 5-1 advantage in the third set. At one point, Sinner lost 18 consecutive points as Cerundolo suddenly took over while the top seed visibly struggled with energy, movement and cramping under difficult conditions.

The shocking elimination immediately sparked debate about whether Sinner’s demanding clay-court schedule finally caught up with him after titles in Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome leading into Roland Garros. However, the Italian admitted there is no guarantee extra rest would have changed the outcome.

“You don’t know. If I don’t play Madrid or I don’t play Rome, maybe I come here and still have a day like this where you feel sick. Looking back, it’s always very tough. I won 3 tournaments on clay. Incredible results. Amazing streak I’ve had. As I said in the beginning of the year, this was my main goal here. Early exit is not what I was looking for. But you also don’t know if things would’ve changed if I would’ve maybe skipped Madrid and only played Rome, or skipping Rome and to come here. You never know.”

Jannik Sinner reveals how physically exhausted he felt against Juan Manuel Cerundolo

Jannik Sinner later explained that his body completely broke down during the final stages of the match, forcing him to conserve energy in hopes of surviving long enough to compete in the fifth set. The Italian admitted he could barely recover physically as the momentum shifted entirely toward Cerundolo.

“As I said, the fourth set I let go to recover physically. Fifth set we all know everything can happen. Yeah, it was tough. I was in a tough spot in the fourth and also in the fifth at some point. I really was. I didn’t have energy, really. I was very flat. The whole body. I don’t remember the last time I felt this weak. It is what it is. I tried to stay there with all I had today. This was the maximum I had. It’s a pity because I was playing really well the first couple of sets. Also, the third set I was playing really well. That’s the sport.”

Despite the painful defeat, Sinner still refused to make excuses for the loss and acknowledged the incredible clay-court run he produced before arriving in Paris. Now, after one of the most physically exhausting stretches of his career, attention immediately shifts toward whether the Italian superstar can recover in time to remain a favorite at Wimbledon and later the US Open.