Novak Djokovic Makes 'Disrespectful' Remark at Press Conference as Jannik Sinner Awaits
Novak Djokovic offered an apology for arriving late to his post-match press conference before bristling at a particular line of questioning following his progression to the Australian Open semi-finals. The world number four secured his place after opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury during their quarter-final clash.
Late Arrival and Immediate Apology
The ten-time Melbourne champion began the media session by stating, "I apologise for the day, thank you for your patience," as he took his seat. Djokovic had dropped the opening two sets against Musetti before the Italian sustained an injury and withdrew at 6-4 6-3 1-3. This victory marks Djokovic's seventh consecutive semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park, where he will now face either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the next round.
Challenging the Narrative
When questioned about whether his current position, pursuing Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Grand Slam tournaments, echoed his early career days chasing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic interrupted the journalist. "I'm chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense? So I'm always the chaser and I'm never being chased?" he challenged directly.
After clarification that the comment specifically related to current Grand Slam standings, while acknowledging his 24 major titles won across nearly two decades, the Serbian legend responded pointedly: "Thanks. It's worth saying that sometimes, right?"
Defending His Legacy
Djokovic elaborated further when asked about comparing different phases of his illustrious career. "Well, 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," he stated.
"So I think it's important to put that in perspective. I don't feel like I'm chasing, to be honest," Djokovic continued, emphasising his own historic journey in the sport.
Respect for Rivals and Future of Tennis
The 38-year-old expressed tremendous respect for both his past and present competitors. "Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals. I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and they continue to do and they will do for the next 10 to 15, 20 years," he acknowledged.
Djokovic appears thrilled to see Sinner and Alcaraz shaping up as tennis's new premier rivalry, but he's also keen to witness another player rise to their level. "This is a kind of natural cycle in sports," he added. "You know, you're going to have another two superstars that are going to maybe have another third guy, you know, that I'm going to cheer for, because I've always been the third guy at the beginning, but it's good for our sport."
Focus on Creating History
Despite acknowledging the current quality of his younger rivals, Djokovic remains focused on his own objectives. "I'm creating my own history, and I think, you know, I've been very clear when I say that my intention is always to - in terms of achievements and objectives and results, I want to get to the championship match in every tournament, particularly Slams," he declared.
"Slams are one of the biggest reasons why I keep on competing and playing tennis," Djokovic emphasised. "Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. I mean, the quality and the level is amazing. It's great. It's phenomenal. But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I'm going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them."
Road to the Semi-Finals
Djokovic was forced to withdraw injured during his semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev at this tournament twelve months ago. Since that setback, his only defeats at Grand Slam level have come against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian icon could now face two-time defending champion Sinner on Friday, and as he has made abundantly clear throughout this press conference, he remains determined to battle until the very end in pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.
