Sinner and Alcaraz have risen strongly, Djokovic declares: I will never surrender

On January 28, 2026, 38-year-old Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semifinals for the 13th time thanks to Musetti’s withdrawal in the quarterfinals. The Serbian icon is pursuing his 11th Australian Open championship and 25th Grand Slam title. Achieving this would make him the sole leader in history, surpassing Margaret Court.

At this Australian Open, Djokovic confronts strong competition from emerging stars. The top two ATP-ranked players, Alcaraz and Sinner, have claimed nearly eight Grand Slam titles between them. To win the trophy, Djokovic will likely have to defeat both top contenders consecutively. However, the tennis veteran remains defiant, stating he “will not wave the white flag.”

“Federer and Nadal will always be my greatest rivals, but the rise of Alcaraz and Sinner is a natural evolution in tennis,” Djokovic said. He expressed great respect for the new generation’s performance while emphasizing that “I am still making history.” In 2025, he reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, although he lost consecutively to Sinner and Alcaraz, proving his competitiveness.

Djokovic’s legend continues to unfold. After defeating Martinez in the first round, he became the first player in history to achieve 100 wins in three different Grand Slam tournaments. He received extra rest time in the fourth round due to his opponent Mensik’s withdrawal, which was crucial for the 38-year-old. Regarding his physical condition, Djokovic revealed he only suffers from a blister on his right foot with no other serious injuries, saying he can “move and play at my own pace.”

In the semifinals, Djokovic will face two-time defending champion Sinner. They have met 10 times before, with Sinner leading 6-4 and holding a five-match winning streak against Djokovic. Facing this critical match, Djokovic showed strong determination: “The new generation’s level is top-notch, but I will fight for every point and give my all to challenge them.”

As a ten-time Australian Open champion, his dominance at Melbourne Park is undeniable. Whether he can withstand the pressure from the new generation and continue his legacy is highly anticipated.

Hoping for a turn of fortune and to receive extra favor once again.

[Come see me][Bow][Rose]

#AustralianOpen#​#TennisLegend#​#Djokovic#​