Djokovic looks to have run his course in Paris

Novak Djokovic quickly packed his bags, and then placed them on Court Philippe-Chatrier and applauded the crowd.

- Shahid Judge

MUMBAI: Novak Djokovic quickly packed his bags, and then placed them on Court Philippe-Chatrier and applauded the crowd. He blew kisses, tapped his chest, folded his hands, gave the thumbs up. He lifted his bags again and began to walk before stopping again. Bending over, he kissed his hand and tapped the red dirt of Roland Garros.

"This is not usual," came the call from the commentary box. Was this Djokovic's farewell to the French Open?

No one in the stands remained seated as the man who had won three Coupe de Mousquetaires walked off the court. A great generalization of the crowds at the Parisian Grand Slam is that they cheer for home players and the underdog.

As absurd as it may seem, Djokovic, as a 24-time Grand Slam champion, the most decorated men's tennis player to play the sport, was the underdog on Saturday, as he played Italian world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the men's singles semi-final. Djokovic lost 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a high-quality match that lasted three hours and 16 minutes.