He reacted especially emotionally to the question of whether he is now “chasing” the new tennis stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.“I can say that I feel a lack of respect because you have left out everything between the period when I was chasing Roger and Rafa and now. You have forgotten 15 years of dominance. I don’t feel like I’m chasing anyone. Rafa and Roger are my greatest rivals, and that’s natural. Now we have two new superstars, and I’m rooting for them because I was once that third myself. But I’m creating my own history,” Novak said.He emphasized that Grand Slam tournaments remain his main motivation.“My intentions are clear – fighting for trophies, especially at the Slams. That’s why I’m still competing. Are Alcaraz and Sinner currently better than me? Yes. Their level is enormous. But does that mean I will go in with a white flag? No. I will do everything to challenge them.”On cameras, Coco Gauff, and racket smashingDjokovic also commented on the situation with Coco Gauff, who was filmed in an emotional moment after a match.“I saw what happened, and I completely support her. I know what it’s like to break a racket – I’ve done it many times. I know how strong frustration can be. The problem today is that there’s no place where you can show your emotions without a camera capturing it. We live in a time where everything is content.”He added that it’s hard to imagine this trend changing.“It surprises me that there aren’t cameras even where we shower. Everything is recorded – conversations with the coach, hallways, getting out of the car. It wasn’t like this before. Sometimes you just want to be yourself, but this is something we currently have to accept.”Speaking about the schedule and injuries at the start of the season, Novak said the situation has two sides.“Players had time to rest, but that’s a double-edged sword. When you rest, you push yourself even harder in training. On the other hand, you haven’t played official matches for a long time, and the body reacts differently. Training and matches are not the same.”He added that the situation changes with age.“In Australia, I didn’t have injuries in the first half of my career, and later almost every year. With age, you feel fresh and motivated, but your body experiences a shock because you want more than it might be able to handle.”Djokovic was self-critical when talking about his own game.“I don’t want to diminish Musetti’s game and his variations, but I haven’t shown even half of what I have. I must play better, that’s for sure. I feel good, and when I play well, I always have a chance. This is a Grand Slam semifinal; confidence has to be there. Otherwise, what’s the point of competing? I’m glad I repeated last year’s result, but I know it can only get harder now.”Novak also revealed that he has minor issues with his foot.“I had a blister that I had to treat. That’s my biggest concern at the moment; I don’t have major problems with my body. It bothers me mostly when moving and running.”He also commented on Lorenzo Musetti’s injury.“I noticed a problem in the third game of the third set. He had already complained earlier, and over time it got worse. This is an individual sport – no one can replace you. When the body doesn’t hold up, it’s terrible, especially when you are playing well. I know that feeling; I’ve been through it many times.”Sinner or Shelton?“I played against Ben Shelton once, in the US Open semifinal. That would be a good match. As for Sinner, I’ve lost to him four or five times in a row. He and Alcaraz are currently the best in the world. I hope to show my best game to even have a chance,” Djokovic said.
28.1.2026.
11:30
Djoković "thundered": "I feel a lack of respect… Have you forgotten 15 years of dominance?"
Novak Djoković, after reaching the semifinals, shared his impressions at a press conference.
Izvor: B92.sport
Autor: B92.sport
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