Djokovic: "All the experts who have wanted to retire me, gave me energy and motivation to continue"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 31 Jan 2026 | 10.15

Novak Djokovic, message to his critics. Photo: gettyimages

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Gone are the days when staying silent in the face of injustices and conforming to others' opinions seeking general acceptance. Novak Djokovic doesn't hold back and lacks all diplomatic attitude towards those who have offended him, settling scores unabashedly. That's what he did after defeating Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open 2026, with some entertaining remarks for Eurosport.

Only with a strong character, indomitable pride, and a voracious competitive spirit can one achieve the successes that Novak Djokovic has had and continues to have in his sports career. Very few people in history can have an attitude towards adversity and criticism like the Serbian's, with a genuine personality forged over time. He showcased this after reaching the final of the Australian Open 2026, with challenging words that are not devoid of truth.

Novak Djokovic writes on the camera after beating Jannik Sinner: “Did you say something?” 🔥

Never count out Novak Djokovic.pic.com/WByDRH431w
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) January 30, 2026

The signature on the television camera by Djokovic after defeating the Italian was only understood by the Serbians, or perhaps not even by them, because the message was cryptic: "Did you say something?" That's what the Serbian tennis player wrote, and when asked about the meaning of those words, he replied, "For them. You read it already. Yes, for them. As my uncle always says, for all the experts who know more than us and the others," Novak answered before launching into a speech that leaves no one indifferent.

Djokovic settles scores with his genuine indomitable character

"I never stopped believing in myself. Many people doubted, many experts wanted to retire me from tennis a few years ago. The truth is, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for what they did because they gave me the necessary strength and motivation to prove them wrong. I am not surprised by what I am doing in Melbourne; I know what I am capable of because I have done it many times in my career," explained the Serbian.

Experience counts, and although his 38 years may be a burden physically, they also represent an advantage in terms of emotional and competitive intelligence. "I know how to handle myself in important Grand Slam matches where I may not be at the perfect level, but I find a way to prevail over my rival, even if my tennis quality is far from where I would like it to be. I took to the court with a clear game plan, I knew what to expect, and I designed a clear strategy," affirmed Novak Djokovic, who now eagerly looks forward to the great final of the Australian Open 2026 against Carlos Alcaraz.

🚨 "There are many experts who wanted to retire me"

👀 Novak Djokovic settles scores after eliminating Jannik Sinner from the tournament #AusOpen pic.com/1U8emVhtAM
— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) January 30, 2026