Djokovic: I am not a chaser, but a maker of history

In the 2026 Australian Open quarterfinals, Djokovic progressed to the semifinals due to Musetti’s retirement while trailing 4-6, 3-6, 3-1. At the post-match press conference, he faced a question regarding how he views his career status.

A reporter asked, “Early in your career, you were chasing Roger and Rafa for titles... but now near the end of your career, you are chasing Yannick and Carlos...”

Djokovic responded with a question, “I am chasing Yannick and Carlos? What do you mean?”

The reporter clarified, “I mean in terms of winning Grand Slam titles at this stage.” Djokovic immediately asked again, “So I am always the chaser, never the one being chased?”

“No, you have already won 24 Grand Slam titles,” the reporter answered. Djokovic then said, “Thank you for remembering that, facts need to be objective, right?”

The atmosphere at the press conference grew tense as Djokovic pointed out that the question was “a bit disrespectful,” since it seemed to “ignore the 15 years I dominated Grand Slams.”The tennis legend believes it is important to look at this objectively: “Honestly, I don’t see myself as chasing anyone.”

Djokovic emphasized a key fact in his response: for a 15-year period in his career, he was the dominant force in Grand Slam tournaments.

In fact, after Federer and Nadal shared the Grand Slam spotlight, Djokovic began his own era of dominance.Djokovic currently shares the historical record of 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court.

When asked if he is chasing the younger generation, the champion reminded everyone that he has long since moved from being the chaser to being the one chased, maintaining that position for many years.

Although displeased with the phrasing of the reporter’s question, Djokovic still expressed respect for all players.“Federer and Nadal will always be my greatest rivals. I have great respect for Sinner and Alcaraz; they will continue to shine for the next 10, 15, or even 20 years,” he said.

He sees this as the natural cycle of sport: “In the future, there will be two more superstars, maybe even a third player I will support, because I originally was the ‘third man.’”

Djokovic believes that such competition, contrasting personalities, and different playing styles benefit tennis greatly. He stressed that he is not merely chasing others but is creating his own history.

Despite being 38 years old, Djokovic remains one of the top players on tour, second only to Alcaraz and Sinner.

He reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams in 2025, demonstrating remarkable endurance. At the 2025 Miami Masters final, the age gap between him and 19-year-old Czech rising star Menšík was 18 years and 102 days, setting a record for the largest age difference in an ATP Masters final.

In recent years, Djokovic has indeed faced more physical challenges. In the 2025 season, he struggled with injuries at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.After losing at the Shanghai Masters, he refused to discuss his physical condition, replying to questions with, “No. Next question, please.”

Djokovic holds Alcaraz and Sinner in high regard, considering them the two best players in the world.In the past two years, Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated the Grand Slam titles, showcasing the strength of the new generation.

Djokovic admitted, “Are they currently better than me and all other players? Yes, they are. Their quality and level are incredible.” But he also made it clear, “Does that mean I will surrender? No. I will fight till the last point, the last shot, doing my best to challenge them.”

After his loss in the 2025 US Open semifinals, Djokovic acknowledged, “Beating players like Sinner and Alcaraz has become very tough, especially in best-of-five Grand Slam matches.” But he promised to keep fighting: “In 2026, I will continue to battle, aiming to reach finals and compete for trophies.”

Djokovic’s retirement timing has been a hot topic in tennis circles. Some commentators predict he might retire at Wimbledon 2026. Djokovic currently holds seven Wimbledon titles, just one shy of Federer’s record of eight.

Following his exit from the 2025 US Open, Djokovic personally assured fans he will compete throughout the 2026 season, putting their minds at ease.He admitted it is difficult to defeat Alcaraz and Sinner but stated he will never give up on Grand Slams. He plans to be smarter with training and scheduling, not playing every tournament but selectively preparing for the most important events.

This veteran still desires to make more history on court. Despite physical challenges and the rise of younger players, he remains competitive.

At the post-match press conference, Djokovic looked determined when asked if he is always the chaser. His answer was clear and confident: “I am not chasing, I am making my own history.”For 38-year-old Djokovic, the meaning of competition goes beyond defeating a particular opponent; it is about transcending time and becoming part of tennis history.

Under the scorching sun in Melbourne, the Serbian legend chooses to keep fighting—not just for titles but to prove he has never stopped making history.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)