Novak Djokovic is optimistic that he will participate at Wimbledon "at least one more time", after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

The 24-time grand slam winner met the reigning Wimbledon champion and world number one in a blockbuster last-four tie on Friday, and it was Sinner who emerged victorious by a 6-4 6-4 6-4 scoreline.

Among the 36 players to have played at least 10 matches against Djokovic at ATP Tour-level, Sinner (now 7-5) is the only one to hold a winning head-to-head record against him.

The 39-year-old was hoping to become the oldest player to defeat the defending Wimbledon champion at the All England Club in the Open Era, but he struggled to match the Italian's level throughout the two-hour, 21-minute encounter.

Djokovic mixed in 26 winners with 23 unforced errors, while Sinner struck 40 winners and only committed 15 unforced errors, with the Italian's power and exquisite shot selection allowing him to push his opponent back.

The Serbian only generated one break point, which he was unable to convert, while Sinner created 13 chances to break and took three of those.

Given Djokovic will be 40 by the time Wimbledon rolls around next year, some had wondered whether he had played on Centre Court for the final time.

But when asked if he would return, Djokovic said: "I'd like to, at least one more time. Let's see." 

Reflecting on where Sinner held the advantage, Djokovic said: "I was just half a step late basically, on any shot. It's as simple as that. He was just a level, or more, better than I was. 

"I was just not sharp enough, not reactive enough, not balanced enough to play him. That’s it. There was not much I could do on the court."

Sinner, meanwhile, is the first world number one to reach the men's singles final at Wimbledon in consecutive editions since Djokovic did so in 2019 and 2021, with the tournament not being held in 2020 due to COVID-19.

He is the first to achieve that feat in consecutive years since Rafael Nadal in 2010 and 2011, with Alexander Zverev now awaiting him in Sunday's showpiece.

In his on-court interview, Sinner said: "The atmosphere has been amazing since the first day, it means a lot to me that I can play one more final here. It's the most special tournament we have.

"Of course, playing Novak... what he's still showing is a true inspiration, not only for you guys but also for the new generation. What he’s still doing is incredible. 

"We always have very, very tough matches. The last one, he won in the semis [at the Australian Open]. I tried to make a couple of adjustments, even though here on grass, it's very difficult. 

"He had a very tough match against Felix [Auger-Aliassime], which we will remember, I think, forever here in this arena. 

"I tried to stay quite aggressive and served very well, which helped me a lot today. He – in my point of view – is the best returner we have in our game. So I tried to mix it up. I'm very happy about today's performance."