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Novak Djokovic argued with a journalist after his Australian Open victory sent him to the semi-finals following the journalist’s suggestion that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent his career “chasing” his rivals.
Djokovic, 38, defeated fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals on Wednesday to set up a semifinal showdown against two-time winner Jannik Sinner.
Novak Djokovic gestures during a press conference ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on January 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Aarón Favila)
Despite owning a record 24 Grand Slam titles, including a record 10 at the Australian Open, Djokovic was asked during his post-match press conference how he felt about “chasing” Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal early in his career and now “chasing” Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the latter stages.
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“Am I chasing Jannik and Carlos? In what sense?” -he interrupted. “So I’m always the pursuer and never get chased?”
The journalist then admitted: “In the meantime, you won 24 Grand Slams,” to which Djokovic responded with a smile: “Thank you, it’s worth saying sometimes. Right?”
The Serbian tennis star allowed the journalist to finish his question before making his position clear.
Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in their third round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on January 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
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“Well, I find it a little disrespectful that you’re missing what happened between the times when I started ‘chasing’, as you say, Rafa and Roger and now that I’m chasing Carlos and Jannik. There was probably a 15-year period at the time when I was dominating the Grand Slams.”
Djokovic admitted that despite not feeling like he’s “chasing” anyone, Alcaraz and Sinner are “better right now” than almost everyone. But that’s good for the game, according to Djokovic.
“You’ll have two other superstars who maybe will have a third guy that I’m going to root for because I’ve always been the ‘third guy’ at the beginning. It’s good for our sport. I think these types of rivalries and the contrast of personalities and playing styles are very good for tennis. And how does that affect me? I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own story.”
Jannik Sinner celebrates his victory in the men’s singles third round of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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Djokovic is seeking a historic 25th Grand Slam title when he faces Sinner in the semifinals on Thursday.
