“I’m sorry, everyone” — Novak Djokovic explains the reason for his disastrous defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros semifinals. The fans are outraged because it affects the reputation of the Big Four and RAFA. Djokovic had a serious problem before the match that prevented him from playing at his best. “I’m sorry, but I gave it my all. I hope you understand.”

In one of the most stunning semi-final results in recent Grand Slam history, Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets at Roland Garros, ending the Serbian legend’s bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. But it wasn’t just the result that grabbed the headlines; it was Djokovic’s emotional post-match apology and the reason he revealed for his unexpected performance.

“I’m sorry, everyone,” Djokovic began, addressing the press and fans after the match. “This wasn’t the match I had prepared for. I wasn’t 100% fit, and I owe you an explanation.”

The confession ignited a storm of reaction online and within the tennis world, not only for its implications on the match itself, but for its potential impact on the legacies of the sport’s most iconic generation: the Big Four .

Sources close to Djokovic’s team revealed that just hours before the semi-final, the 37-year-old suffered a severe muscle spasm in his lower back , requiring last-minute treatment and pain management. Despite the efforts of his physiotherapists, the injury continued to flare up throughout the match, severely limiting his movement, particularly on the return and during longer rallies.

Although Djokovic never requested a medical timeout on court, experts say he had privately considered withdrawing. But he ultimately chose to play “out of respect for the fans, for Sinner, and for Roland Garros.”

“I gave it my all,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Even when I knew my body wouldn’t cooperate. It’s not the ending I wanted, but I hope people can understand.”

On the court, the difference was clear. Sinner was composed, aggressive, and relentless. Djokovic, usually the master of long rallies and impossible returns, looked slower, in pain, and unusually erratic. His first-serve percentage was below 60%, and his footwork, typically one of his greatest weapons, looked labored during the second and fourth sets.

Sinner won the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, booking his place in his first Roland Garros final and confirming his status as the new face of men’s tennis.

“He’s the future of our sport,” Djokovic acknowledged. “I just wish I could have given him a match that truly reflected who I am as a competitor.”

But not all fans were understanding.

On social media, tennis fans expressed frustration, confusion, and, in some cases, outrage at the timing of Djokovic’s explanation. Some accused the 24-time Grand Slam winner of “discrediting” Sinner’s victory, while others argued that he was trying to protect his own legacy from what appeared, on paper, to be a one-sided loss.

“We love Novak, but this seems like an excuse,” one fan wrote. “Sinner played better. Period.”

Others defended the Serbian icon, praising his honesty and sacrifice.

“He didn’t quit. He fought through the pain. That’s what champions do,” another user commented on X.

What made this defeat even more controversial was the way Djokovic’s comments were interpreted in the context of the Big Four Legacy Four – the era-defining rivalry between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Djokovic .

Many fans feared that Djokovic’s performance, and his choice to reveal his injury, could unintentionally tarnish the high level of rivalry that defined this golden generation.

Some Spanish outlets even suggested that Djokovic’s remarks cast a shadow over Rafael Nadal’s legacy , with one headline reading: “Djokovic downplays sinner, reminds world who the real king of clay is?”

Although Rafael Nadal didn’t respond directly, a cryptic post on his official Instagram account shortly after the match sparked speculation. It featured a photo of the Philippe-Chatrier court and the caption:

“Legends leave it all on the court, in silence.”

Interpret it as you will, but the moment did not go unnoticed.

Djokovic’s last words: “Don’t remember me like that”

At the end of his press conference, Djokovic made a heartfelt request to his fans:

“I don’t want people to remember this version of me: injured, limited, struggling. I want to be remembered for the fight, the comebacks, the fire. This match doesn’t define me, and it certainly doesn’t define Jannik. He was the better man. He earned it.”

The Roland Garros crowd gave him a long, emotional ovation when he came out, perhaps the last time he plays in Paris.

With Jannik Sinner in the final and Djokovic’s future uncertain, a new chapter is unfolding in men’s tennis. It remains to be seen whether this was a goodbye or just another setback for the Serbian warrior.

But one thing is clear: the world of tennis is changing, and emotions, as always, are part of the game.