Novak Djokovic has fuelled speculation over his retirement plans after admitting he wants to play at Wimbledon "at least one more time" following his emphatic semi-final defeat.
The 39-year-old was comprehensively outclassed by world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who powered into the final with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory on Centre Court.
Djokovic struggled to live with the defending champion's relentless hitting and admitted he was consistently late to the ball during a one-sided encounter at the All England Club.
However, the seven-time Wimbledon champion suggested he is planning to return to SW19 in 2027, when he will be 40, despite appearing to acknowledge that his time at the top is nearing its conclusion.
Asked whether he expected to compete at Wimbledon again, Djokovic said: "I would like to, at least one more time. Let's see."
His carefully chosen words will inevitably raise questions over whether next year's tournament could become an emotional farewell appearance for one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Djokovic, though, refused to blame his age for Friday's defeat and instead conceded that Sinner had simply operated at another level.
"No, not really. It was a good old blowout," he said when asked whether he could have changed his tactics.
"There was nothing much I could do. I was just half a step late basically in any shot. It's very simple as that. He was just a level better than I was.
"I was just not sharp enough, not reactive enough, not balanced enough to play him. That's it. There's not much I could do on the court."
Sinner will now defend his Wimbledon crown against Alexander Zverev after the German ended British hopeful Arthur Fery's run in straight sets.
Despite falling short once again in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title, Djokovic insisted his campaign should still be regarded as a success.
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"I'm proud of what I achieved three nights ago," he said, referring to his quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime.
"I've proven to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level, and I have. I reached the last four of Wimbledon.
"Losing in straight sets against the best player in the world, OK. It is what it is. It's the reality you have to accept."
Djokovic has remained level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam singles titles since triumphing at the 2023 US Open.
Yet the Serbian admitted he has become frustrated by the relentless focus on whether he will ever claim No 25, complaining about the spotlight it receives.
"It really started to annoy me a little because, somehow, it's like I'm not enough for myself, and then others put extra weight on me," he said.
"As if 24 is not enough but 25 is enough. Let's celebrate and rejoice for what has been achieved.
"I'm really sick of talking about when 25 will be. And what if it never comes? Is it then a failed career?"
Djokovic also conceded that the punishing preparation required for major tournaments is becoming harder to tolerate.
"Of course, I still enjoy the thrill of competition," he said. "Maybe I don't enjoy all the hard weeks that are leading up to a big tournament, putting myself over and over again through a lot of pain."
But while the physical toll is mounting, Djokovic maintains that he has no immediate intention of walking away.
"I do it because I really want to and because I still can," he added. "I can still play as a top-10, top-five player."
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