Djokovic said he hopes to come back “at least one more time” – and ultimately he is still beating players who should theoretically have time and youth on their side.
He was relaxed at this year’s championships, from performing on the outer courts with his son to joking with a ball girl during a second-round match.
It also seems like there has been a shift in how crowds perceive him.
For a time, Djokovic was seen as the villain – the destroyer of the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry that had captivated fans. More emotional and louder, Djokovic sometimes received a hostile reception simply because he beat them.
He struggled to win over the crowd during his astonishing 2019 Wimbledon final victory over Federer and felt disrespected by their cheers against Holger Rune two years ago.
But this year he was the crowd favorite in almost every match. They fought for it as the match against Auger-Aliassime reached a stalemate. They thundered his nickname – “Nole! Nole!” – whenever he faced a break point against Sinner.
The winner, as always, was well supported. But it seemed that it was Djokovic who won the hearts of the public.
“We’ve been watching this guy for over two decades, and how many times have we heard the entire crowd chant ‘Nole, Nole’?” – Agassi said.
“Now he gets the respect he deserves. I like it. What these guys are doing now is because everything he showed is possible.”
As he left the court, Djokovic placed his hand on his heart and tapped it once before waving his hand to all corners.
He knows the clock is running out. He will turn 40 at Wimbledon next year. Ken Rosewall, at 39 years and 234 days, is the oldest man in the Open era to win a Grand Slam singles title.
But for now, Djokovic wants to continue.
“There is no pressure on me and no one is forcing me to play,” Djokovic added. “I do it because I really want to and because I can still play in the top five.
“We’ll see what the future brings.”