Novak Djokovic, the most decorated player in men's tennis history, has voiced his frustration at what he perceives as a lack of respect in the lead-up to his Australian Open semifinal clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner. The 38-year-old Serbian star, holder of 24 Grand Slam singles titles including 10 at Melbourne Park, took issue with a question that framed him as chasing the new generation of players.
Djokovic's Defiant Response to Era Comparisons
During a press conference, Djokovic was asked to compare eras, from when he emerged while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominated tennis to the current landscape where Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have prevented him from winning a major in the last two seasons. The query prompted a pointed reaction from the veteran champion.
"I'm chasing Jannik and Carlos?" Djokovic responded, before adding, "In which sense?" When it was suggested he was trying to break the so-called "Sincaraz" streak of eight titles, he countered with visible irritation.
"So I'm always the chaser, and I'm never being chased?" he questioned. "I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between where the times when I started chasing, as you say, Rafa and Roger, and now that I'm chasing Carlos and Jannik, and there's probably about a 15-year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams."
Djokovic emphasised the importance of historical context, stating firmly, "It's important to put that in perspective. I don't feel like I'm chasing, to be honest. I'm creating my own history."
The Semifinal Showdown: Djokovic vs. Sinner
The Australian Open men's draw has seen the top four seeds advance to the final four, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal between second seed Jannik Sinner and fourth seed Novak Djokovic. For Djokovic, the objective in Melbourne is unequivocal: to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, further cementing his legacy as the greatest of all time.
Despite reaching the semifinals at all four majors last year without contesting a final, Djokovic acknowledges some fortune in his current run. He trailed fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals before the Italian retired with a leg injury, and benefited from a walkover in the fourth round. Statistically, he hasn't won a set since the third round, but remains a formidable contender.
Sinner, meanwhile, arrives with momentum, boasting a 19-match winning streak at Melbourne Park after a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over eighth-seeded Ben Shelton. The 24-year-old Italian holds a 6-4 head-to-head advantage over Djokovic, including wins in their last five encounters. This sequence features semifinal triumphs at the 2024 Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon last year, with his 2024 win here propelling him to his first Grand Slam title.
"It improves you as a player and a person," Sinner remarked about facing Djokovic. "We're still lucky to have Novak here playing incredible tennis at his age. I'm lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes and I can hopefully learn something. I feel like every day, every time he plays, I can learn something about him."
The Other Semifinal: Alcaraz vs. Zverev
In the other semifinal, top seed Carlos Alcaraz faces third seed Alexander Zverev. The 22-year-old Alcaraz aims to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam, while the 28-year-old Zverev seeks his first major trophy after three runner-up finishes, including last year in Australia amidst off-court distractions.
Alcaraz noted that Zverev edged him in a recent practice match, describing it as a "high level of tennis, high level of intensity." He added, "It was impressive the level he's been playing so far, so it's going to be a great battle. I'm excited about playing him here in AO in a semifinal. I know what I have to do. I will be well-prepared and if he wants to beat me, he has to sweat a lot!"
The pair are tied 6-6 in career meetings, with two wins each at Grand Slams. In 2024, Alcaraz defeated Zverev in the French Open final, while Zverev won their Australian Open quarterfinal.
"In my case, I'm still chasing that desired Slam," Zverev admitted. "Of course, I still want to achieve that, but I also want to enjoy my tennis. Right now I'm doing that."
As the semifinals approach, the stage is set for thrilling contests, with Djokovic's quest for history and respect taking centre stage against a backdrop of emerging talent and fierce competition.
