Novak Djokovic has admitted he has ‘regrets’ from his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz last month.
The Serb stepped out at Centre Court hoping to make history by winning a 24th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic had also gone into the contest aiming to draw level with Roger Federer on eight Wimbledon triumphs.
However, Alcaraz then managed to put the 36-year-old to the sword – with the Spaniard winning 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to secure the trophy.
Novak Djokovic was gutted after losing Wimbledon final to Carlos AlcarazPA
Now, Djokovic has revealed he regrets not taking his chances during that match – but admitted he didn’t dwell on the loss for too long.
“It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day,” said the tennis star.
“Obviously, I needed some really good rest after that, and some time with my family, and that’s what I did.
“Of course, I was regretting not using the chances during that final.”
He continued: “I was [a] set up and had some set points in the second and I felt that I was close to being in the lead. And then, obviously, some break points in the fifth.
“It was a close match, but well deserved from his side, because to win he played better in the important moments, and that’s what I said after the final.
“I think he was a deserved winner and that’s it really, pretty much. You move on.”
Djokovic has now revealed he’s aiming to move on, with the Serb set to take part in the Cincinnati Open this week.
He’ll then go into the US Open later this month looking to add yet another major to his huge collection.
“I need to obviously move on and try to regroup and find motivation for what’s coming up, and all the challenges that are ahead of me, and that’s why I’m here,” he said.
“Now, after many years of professional tennis, I feel like I have a choice to play what I really want to play.
“And I really wanted to be here in Cincinnati, and of course, [the] US Open [is] around the corner.”
As for Alcaraz, the Spaniard was unable to win the Canadian Open this month.
The youngster crashed out of the tournament following a shock loss to Tommy Paul on Saturday.
Jannik Sinner then proceeded to claim victory in the competition with a win over Alex de Minaur.
And Alcaraz sent a message to the Italian on social media, saying: “You deserve it Jannik! So happy for you.”
Alcaraz’s message came just a month after he’d named Sinner as his biggest rival in the sport.
“Having someone there, with whom you fight, with whom you have that battle, that beautiful rivalry, is important to maintain motivation for so long,” he said.
“Right now, I think I have it and I’m not afraid to say it, for me it’s Sinner at the moment.
