Novak Djokovic expressed frustration during a press conference at the 2026 Australian Open after a reporter suggested he is now chasing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, following his early career pursuit of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the semifinals when Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading two sets to none. Djokovic emphasized his own legacy and respect for the emerging stars.
At the 2026 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic reached his 13th semifinal at Melbourne Park on January 28 after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt, with Djokovic trailing 0-2 in sets. This advancement came on the heels of a fourth-round walkover against Jakub Mensik, providing extra recovery time amid minor physical concerns like a blister.
In the post-match press conference, a reporter's question sparked controversy. The journalist implied Djokovic, who began his career chasing Federer and Nadal, is now pursuing titles against the younger duo of Sinner and Alcaraz. Djokovic responded pointedly: “I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense? So I’m always the chaser and never being chased?” He deemed the query disrespectful, highlighting a 15-year period of dominance where he won 24 Grand Slams, including his last at the 2023 US Open over Daniil Medvedev (6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3).
“I don’t feel like I’m chasing, to be honest,” Djokovic stated. He affirmed Federer and Nadal as his greatest rivals and praised Sinner and Alcaraz for their achievements, predicting they will dominate for the next 10 to 20 years in a “natural cycle in sports.” At 38, Djokovic acknowledged the top-ranked pair's current superiority but vowed to compete fiercely: “I’m going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them.” He rejected any notion of surrender, saying, “I’m not waving the white flag.”
Djokovic enters the semifinal against two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on January 30, with Sinner holding a 6-4 head-to-head edge, including five straight wins. Sinner advanced by defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, having dropped just one set in the tournament. Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge backed Djokovic, calling the reporter's question “stupid” on Nine's The Morning Serve.
The 38-year-old, who reached semifinals at all four majors in 2025, aims for a record 25th Grand Slam title, having already notched 100 wins at three different Slams.
