“Novak didn’t like the question at a press conference after reaching the Aus Open semi-finals”, — write: sport.ua
At the press conference, Nole did not like one of the questions of the journalist, who called him previously catching up with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and now with Carlos Alcaraz and Yannick Sinner:
– At the beginning of your career, you were chasing Roger and Rafa in the fight for titles. And now, at the final stage of your career, you are chasing Yannick and Carlos. Perhaps…
– Am I chasing Yannik and Carlos? In what sense?
– In the sense of winning Grand Slam trophies right now.
– That is, I am always the one who catches up, and never the one who is caught up?
– No, meanwhile you won 24 Grand Slam tournaments. But I mean it’s… I see…
– Thank you. It’s worth mentioning sometimes, isn’t it?
– Sorry, I have to add that.
– Yes, yes. Don’t worry.
– Is it possible to compare your feelings then and now, given that Yannick and Carlos shared the last eight Grand Slams?
– To be honest, I find it a bit disrespectful because you seem to be ignoring what happened between those periods. Between the time when I started, as you say, “chasing” Rafa and Roger, and now, when I’m supposedly chasing Carlos and Yannick, there was about a fifteen-year period during which I dominated the Grand Slam tournaments. I think it is important to take this into account and place the emphasis correctly.
To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m chasing anyone. Roger and Rafa will always be my main rivals. I have a lot of respect for what Yannick and Carlos are doing, what they continue to do and what they will do in the next 10, 15, 20 years – who knows how many more years they will play, they are very young. This is a natural cycle in sports. There are two new superstar players, maybe there will be a third, who I will also root for, because in the beginning I myself was always the third.
This is good for our sport. Such rivalries, the contrast of personalities and playing styles are very useful for tennis. And how does it affect me? Like I said, I don’t feel like I’m chasing anyone. I create my own story. I have always made it clear that my goal – in terms of achievements, goals and results – is to reach the finals of every tournament, especially the Grand Slam tournaments. Slams are one of the main reasons I continue to compete and play tennis.
Yes, right now they are better than me and most other players. The level and quality of the game are incredible, phenomenal. But does that mean I’m raising a white flag? No. I will fight to the last shot, to the last draw and do my best to challenge them.
In the semifinals of the Australian Open 2026, Djokovic will meet Yannick Sinner.
