Novak Djokovic reached the 2026 Australian Open final.
He may have missed out on winning his 25th Grand Slam, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final, but Djokovic made a statement in Melbourne nevertheless.
The 38-year-old rolled back the years, producing several legendary performances, including a marathon five-set win over the two-time defending champion, Jannik Sinner.
Where does that performance rank out of Novak Djokovic’s best of all time?
It was Djokovic’s first major final appearance since 2024, as he threatened to end Sinner and Alcaraz’s Grand Slam duopoly.
But how did the Serb re-enter the equation?
2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic has now highlighted the change Djokovic made, which propelled him to success down under.
Marin Cilic says Novak Djokovic was more aggressive in Australia
During an interview with the ‘Tennis Channel‘ in Dallas, Cilic was asked if Djokovic’s recent success motivates him.
“Huge inspiration, you can see how devoted he is,” said Cilic.
“Even after last year, for a champion as he is, having four Slam semifinals and tough losses against Jannik [Sinner] and Carlos [Alcaraz] in those four. And still keeps on believing, working on his game.
Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam defeats (2025)
- 2025 Australian Open SF [LOSS] vs Alexander Zverev, 6-7 (RET)
- 2025 French Open SF [LOSS] vs Jannik Sinner, 4-6, 5-7, 6-7
- 2025 Wimbledon SF [LOSS] vs Novak Djokovic, 3-6, 3-6, 4-6
- 2025 US Open SF [LOSS] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 4-6, 6-7, 2-6
“In Australia, he started to play more aggressive, played incredibly well.”
Djokovic was certainly more aggressive in Australia, attacking balls and painting lines on Rod Laver Arena.
His change of approach was particularly noticeable in his semifinal win over Sinner and the first set of the final against Alcaraz.
While Djokovic may have been more willing to engage in long grinding rallies earlier in his career, that strategy just isn’t effective against players who are almost 20 years younger than him.
Shortening points, Djokovic found success against two players who have been dominant on the ATP Tour recently.
Cilic says that the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s success has given him a confidence boost.
Are you more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam now?
“It gives me, as well, confidence, he’s one year ahead, maybe I can catch him up and stay consistent as he is,” he said.
“Take care of the body. You can see he has been so professional, so diligent with his diet, with training, mobility, everything he does, and it gave him these few extra years of this incredible level.”
Cilic was full of praise for Djokovic, but he’s not doing badly on the ATP Tour himself.
Impressing at the Dallas Open, the Croat has qualified for his 123rd career quarterfinal!
‘Beautiful serve’ sends Marin Cilic into Dallas quarterfinals
The former world number three defeated Ethan Quinn in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, to reach the quarterfinals in Dallas.
“First set was quite tight, Ethan [Quinn] also served incredibly well in those break points that I had in that first set,” said Cilic.
Marin Cilic vs Ethan Quinn – Match stats
| Stats | Marin Cilic | Ethan Quinn |
| Aces | 15 | 12 |
| Double faults | 5 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 61% | 64% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 100% | 78% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 74% | 46% |
| Break points | 1/5 | 0/0 |
“The tiebreak was huge and very crucial. We played some unbelievable points there in the tiebreak.
“It’s always a little bit of a lottery, managed to win that, opened up, a bit of momentum, and the serve was working beautifully today.”
Cilic won 100% of points behind his first serve against Quinn in Dallas.
The Croat is playing at a high level, and he knows it.
“Day in, day out, progress,” said Cilic.
“I was not playing on the tour for a couple of years, you lose a bit of momentum, and it’s not easy to keep that match after match, but I’m feeling fantastic with my body, with my game.
“I’ve played several matches this season at a high level.
“That gives me such great confidence, playing indoors here, great conditions for me.
“I believe that anyone I come up against, I’m going to have some good chances, for sure.”
Cilic will be tough to beat in Dallas, but who may he face en route to the title?
Marin Cilic’s route to the Dallas Open title
- QF – Jack Pinnington Jones (ATP #181)
- SF – Taylor Fritz (ATP #7)
- F – Ben Shelton (ATP #9)
He may have to defeat Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton in back-to-back matches to clinch a 22nd ATP title.
First, he’ll play British qualifier Jack Pinnington Jones in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 13.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
