Djokovic questioned a reporter’s odd inquiry: Am I chasing Sinner and Alcaraz? A follower?

Djokovic’s journey to the 2026 Australian Open semifinals has been marked by dramatic turns. Following a bye and an opponent’s injury-induced retirement, he has returned to the race for his 25th Grand Slam championship. However, at the post-match press conference, the focus quickly shifted from his “escape victory” over Musetti to a more controversial and profound career-related question.

When a reporter suggested that Djokovic was chasing Federer and Nadal early in his career but now pursuing Sinner and Alcaraz, the 24-time Grand Slam champion clearly disagreed with that characterization.

“Am I chasing Jannik and Carlos? In what sense do you mean chasing?” Djokovic responded, “So according to you, I’m always the one chasing, never the one being chased?”

He went on to say, “Honestly, I find that statement somewhat disrespectful because it completely overlooks everything in between. From when I started ‘chasing’ Rafa and Roger to now supposedly pursuing Carlos and Jannik, about 15 years have passed, and during that time, I was dominating the Grand Slam scene. So I think it’s important to view this from the correct context and perspective. Frankly, I don’t see myself as chasing anyone.”

Djokovic’s 24th and, so far, last Grand Slam title came at the 2023 US Open, where he defeated Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. Since then, speculation has swirled about when his 25th title will arrive.

However, for the 38-year-old legend nearing the end of his career, he is not obsessed with winning another Grand Slam but rather focused on enjoying the time he still spends on the court. “Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals,” he said. “I have immense respect for everything Jannik and Carlos are doing now and will continue to do in the future. They might play for another 10 to 15 years, maybe even 20, who knows? They’re still so young, and this is just the natural cycle of sports.”

Speaking about this “natural cycle of sports,” Djokovic said he cheers for them and even for a “third person” because “at the beginning, I was that third person myself.” “As I’ve said, I don’t see myself as chasing anyone. I’m creating my own history,” Djokovic emphasized. “And I’ve always been clear: in terms of achievements, goals, and results, my intention has always been—to reach the finals in every tournament, especially at Grand Slams. Those Grand Slams are one of the main reasons I keep going and continue playing tennis.”

The 38-year-old veteran also openly admitted that the current players like Sinner, Alcaraz, and other young talents are indeed in better form than him, but that doesn’t mean he will back down. “No, I will fight until the last point, the last shot, giving my all to challenge them,” he said. This is exactly what he aims to do in the semifinals. Previously, Musetti unexpectedly retired in a match where Djokovic was down two sets and almost certain to lose, giving him a “lifeline.”

At the 2026 Australian Open, Sinner has dropped only one set so far. After defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, he is ready to face Djokovic in the semifinals. Looking at their head-to-head record, Sinner leads 6-4. However, reviewing the timeline of their victories reveals that one has grown from a rising star into a true top player, while the other, after countless triumphs, is gradually approaching the twilight of his career.

Their first encounter was at the 2021 Monte Carlo Masters, where Djokovic won. Sinner’s first victory over Djokovic came at the 2023 ATP Finals. They also met at the 2024 Australian Open, where Sinner won a tough hard-court battle 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2), although Djokovic was not at his best.

Recently, Sinner spoke about Djokovic, saying: “An important lesson I’ve learned is that the result isn’t the most important thing; the match itself makes you a better player. And we’re lucky to see Novak still playing incredible tennis at this age.”

Currently, Sinner holds a five-match winning streak against Djokovic. Whether Australian Open fans will witness another “Sinner vs. Alcaraz” showdown (assuming Alcaraz defeats Zverev) or see the Serbian legend push for his 25th Grand Slam title remains to be seen.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)