Novak Djokovic did not hold back during his Australian Open press conference when a journalist suggested that he was now ‘chasing’ Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. This prompted a blunt and pointed response from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic’s latest outing at the Australian Open came against Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at Rod Laver Arena. The Italian had control of the match, leading by two sets and was firmly on course for victory, before being forced to retire amid the third set due to injury. The unfortunate walkover handed the Serb a direct progression into the semifinals.
Following this match, the 38-year-old addressed the media, where he faced a question that didn’t sit right with him.
The interviewer said that in the early part of Djokovic’s career, he was chasing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for titles, and now at the backend of his career, he is chasing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Serbian star was quick to shut down the narrative, calling the comparison ‘disrespectful’ and lacking proper perspective:
“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.
“There’s probably about a 15-year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams. I think it’s important to put that in perspective. I dont feel like I’m chasing, to be honest. Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals. I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing, and they will continue to do for the next 10, 15, 20 years.”
He added:
“This is a kind of natural cycle in sports. You’re going to have another two superstars that are going to maybe have a third guy that I’m going to cheer for, because I’ve always been the third guy at the beginning.
“It’s good for our sport. I think these kind of rivalries and the contrast of personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis. And how is that affecting me? I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own history.”
Djokovic is all set to face Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open on Friday at Rod Laver Arena.
Novak Djokovic Opened up About Competing Against Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open’s Semifinals
After winning the quarterfinal Lorenzo Musetti, Novak Djokovic fielded questions surrounding the ins and outs of his play against the Italian, and along with this, he was also asked about his thoughts on competing against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
Recalling his previous matchups with the world No. 2, the Serb said that he has lost to him a couple of times, so he will be focusing on bringing his ‘A-game’ to the court (1:13 onwards):
Read More Tennis News:
1. Novak Djokovic Mention Gets Boos But Ben Shelton Wins Over Australian Open Fans With Classy Interview
2. Novak Djokovic Makes Feelings Clear After Near-Miss Australian Open Disqualification
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