Novak Djokovic is continuing his search for a 100th ATP Tour title, having fallen at the semi-final stage of the Australian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz says Djokovic played ‘unbelievable’ in their quarter-final clash in Melbourne, which the latter won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic made it through that match despite suffering a hamstring injury, with the Serbian then forced to retire hurt in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
Jannik Sinner was congratulated by Djokovic after winning the final, having beaten the Serbian’s most recent opponent Zverev at Rod Laver Arena.
While Sinner succeeded in his efforts to win back-to-back Australian Open titles, Djokovic failed to win a record-extending 11th title.
Novak Djokovic surprised to hear people think Australian Open semi-final was a success
He also failed to edge past Margaret Court for most Grand Slam titles won, with the pair currently level on 24 each.
Explaining his current mental and psychological after the tournament, he told Vijesti: “I am currently, as I would say, in the middle between my desire and need to enjoy the achievements I have achieved and approach matches and tournaments a little more relaxed on the one hand, and what I am used to on the other hand, which is that mentality of winning and thinking ‘only the title is a success, the rest is not’.
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“I have somehow gotten used to that, which is perhaps a good ‘problem’ to have at this stage of my life and career.
“For example, I was a little surprised by how many people viewed my placement in the semi-finals of the Australian Open as a success – it may sound a little stupid to say, but to me when someone says semi-finals, considering all that I have achieved in my career, although it is certainly a success, it is not what I was looking for and what I would be satisfied with.
“These are all the emotions and thoughts that are spinning in my head, but I still have a passion and love for sports and competition and I am grateful for the support I receive, not only from Serbia but also from Montenegro and the entire region, but also the world.
“These people and this support encourage me to continue travelling and competing and give me motivation for new victories.”
Novak Djokovic can still compete with new stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Many players across the ATP Tour can only dream of reaching the last four of a Grand Slam, never mind the final, and never mind winning it.
But Djokovic has set himself such high standards over the years, and for such a long time, that anything but the trophy is deemed as a failure.
READ MORE: The incredible record still Novak Djokovic holds despite retiring hurt at the Australian Open
Even with his injury and indeed his age, 37-year-old Djokovic should fittingly reach that elusive 100-title mark.
And it should arrive sooner rather than later, with the veteran proving that he is more than capable of still mixing in with the new star players, with his only 2024 title coming against Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.
Recent Grand Slam champions Sinner and Alcaraz will, however, be very hard to beat in the coming months, with the latter having just won the Rotterdam Open.
But Djokovic cannot be ruled out of competing for the highest honours, with the legend boasting both ability and experience at this stage of his career.
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