Novak Djokovic (38, 4 ATP) qualified for the Australian Open final for the 38th time in his career, the first since Wimbledon 2024.
In the semifinal against Jannik Sinner, the Serbian prevailed after an intense five-set match, with the score 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Ten-time winner in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic offered statements about his progress in this match, choosing to speak in a small room near Rod Laver Arena, skipping the traditional press conference. When asked about the secret of his surprising evolution, Nole answered directly.
“It was definitely my best match in the last two years. Given the circumstances and the semi-final against Sinner, who has played the best tennis of his career in the last two years, especially here, the two-time defending champion, it doesn’t get much better than that.”.
“I’m really proud of myself because it was exhausting!”
Honestly, when I started the preparations for the new season and set my goals, it’s no secret that the Grand Slam tournaments are where I want to play my best tennis, but it becomes, I think, more difficult for me to motivate myself and I ask myself questions. Do you know, well, what I look for in myself? I imagined that I would play against Jannik and Carlos in the final stages of this year’s Grand Slam tournaments, that I would fight and give it my all. I’m very lucky to have already made it in the first Grand Slam of the year. Yes, it is an important victory. I am very proud. very happy And very relieved, because it was very physically demanding and exhausting!”said Novak Djokovic.
“We were lucky that Lorenzo got injured and retired!”
Asked how he found his mental resources after the quarter-final, in which he went ahead after Lorenzo Musetti’s retirement despite leading 2-0 in sets, Novak Djokovic explained how he managed to play at an excellent level this time, with a solid serve and a highly effective forehand.
“I never stopped believing in myself. There are many people who doubt me. I see that suddenly there are many experts who wanted to retire me or retired me. You know, I want to thank everyone, because they gave me strength. They gave me the motivation to prove them wrong. What I did tonight is no surprise to me. I know what I am capable of. Throughout my career, I’ve had many matches in Grand Slam tournaments where I just didn’t feel at my best.
“It’s one thing to imagine how you want to play and another to execute!”
You try to find a way to win with everything you have, even if your tennis isn’t nearly as good as you’d like it to be. That was also the case in this case. We were lucky that Lorenzo got injured and withdrew from the match. Two days later, the opponent was obviously different. I knew exactly what was waiting for me on the field and I came out with clarity, correct strategy and game plan and what needed to be executed.
Obviously, that’s easier said than done. It’s one thing to imagine how you want to play and another to do it and execute on the court against Sinner, who we all know plays at an extremely high level. Yes, I am delighted that I was able to have such an experience tonight!”the Serb also admitted.
