Djokovic challenges Sinner and Alcaraz: "I would love to face one in the tournament... or maybe both"

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Although the men's circuit changed phases a while ago, the name of Novak Djokovic always commands the same respect. Especially here, at the Australian Open, where we have seen him win the title so many times. Can he achieve it once more?

The task is challenging, but when it comes to Novak Djokovic, it is impossible to completely dismiss his candidacy. At 38 years old, the Serbian appeared cheerful at the first Grand Slam's Media Day of the season, confirming that he is not losing sleep over winning another major tournament. He continues to work hard to stay competitive and measure up to the two current dominant forces. And what if that coveted 25th major doesn't come? Well, there's no problem; no one will be more satisfied with his career than the man from Belgrade. Let's listen to his words to understand exactly where he stands.

Back to his favorite place

“It's great to be back again, my 21st time at this tournament, it's incredible. The number of times I've been to Australia is tremendous. I believe it was in 2005 the first time I qualified for a Grand Slam, I played the night session on Rod Laver Arena against Marat Safin, who would later win the title. It's been a long but very successful journey. It has been my most successful Grand Slam; I've always loved playing in Australia, hence why it's known as the Happy Slam. We are all very motivated to start the season in the best possible way, so I try not to take any opportunities for granted. I hope to bring out the best of my game in the tournament.”

How was the preseason?

“I finished the season in the first week of November, so it's been a long time since I last competed. I took some time off, also to rebuild my body, as this task has taken up most of my time in the last two years, both in terms of restart and recovery. Unfortunately, I had a small setback that prevented me from competing in Adelaide, so I didn't travel there, but things have been going well for me here so far. Obviously, every day brings something for each of us, but overall, I feel good to compete.”

Content with his career

“I've talked a lot about the #25 Grand Slam, but now I try to focus on what I've achieved, not what I might achieve. I hope this message gets across; I think 24 is not a bad number either. I have to appreciate it and remind myself of the incredible career I've had. This frees me from some expectations and unnecessary pressure, although there will always be pressure and expectations, but without the mindset that it has to be now or never. I don't think that's necessary; it's something that wouldn't allow me to excel or perform at my best. I know that when I'm healthy, when I can put all the pieces together, I can beat anyone. If I didn't have that confidence in myself, I wouldn't be here sitting with you. I still have the drive, but I understand that Sinner and Alcaraz are playing at a different level from everyone else. That's a fact, but it doesn't mean that no one else will have a chance.”

At ease with his stats

“Looking at my career, I think I'm the last one who should complain or regret anything. I've broken almost every record in this sport, so I will be eternally grateful to tennis for giving me the opportunity to travel the world and live my dream because this was my dream. I'm still living the dream, to be honest. The achievements are there; it's one of the greatest motivations you can have, but it's not the only one. There's passion, love for the game, interaction with people, that energy you feel when you step onto the court. It's like an adrenaline rush, almost like a drug. Many of the world's finest athletes can identify with this; it's very addictive, that's why everyone wants to repeat it. Many will ask me when the date of my end will be, but I don't want to talk or think about this yet because I'm still here competing. When it comes, I will share it with you, and we'll discuss the farewell tour, but right now, I'm still world No. 4, competing at the highest level, and I feel there's no need to have that discussion.”

Djokovic reveals what he lacks to beat Sinner and Alcaraz

“I lack a bit of match play to be able to compete with these guys in the latter stages of Grand Slams. I'm doing my best, as I did in 2025, where I believe I did very well; I challenged them on their way to the title. There's no need to praise Sinner or Alcaraz more; they've been praised enough (laughs). We know how good they are; they deserve to be where they are, they are the dominant forces in men's tennis right now. In my case, I'm still trying to be there, not so much in terms of ranking, although it's great to be No. 4, but this doesn't affect how I approach a Grand Slam. My priority now is to take care of my body, treat each match as if it were a final, but building momentum and without wasting unnecessary energy. I hope to go far again; I would love to have the opportunity to battle against one of them, or maybe both. We'll see what happens.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic desafía a Sinner y Alcaraz: “Me encantaría enfrentarme con alguno en el torneo… o tal vez con los dos”