After the match between Novak Djokovic (38) and Lorenzo Musetti (23), a tense moment arose at the press conference between the journalist and the Serbian record holder. It all started with the question of whether he feels he is currently trailing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in terms of Grand Slam titles, just as he was at the start of his career behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic was definitely not excited about the question and felt that the journalist did not respect him enough.
“It’s disrespectful to overlook what happened between when I was trailing Rafa and Roger and now when you think I’m trailing Carlos and Jannik.” responded Djokovic sharply, who did not like the poorly posed question at all.
The journalist wanted to ask how Djokovic would compare his position in the period at the beginning of his career, when Federer and Nadal won most of the Grand Slams, with the present, when the majors are mainly divided between Sinner and Alcaraz. Out of respect for the Serb, he definitely should have mentioned that he won a record 24 majors between those two seasons.
“You forgot the 15 years of my career where I dominated the Grand Slams. I think it’s important to mention that and put it in perspective,” continued the offended Serb. But he answered the journalist’s question anyway.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m catching up to anyone. Roger and Rafa will always be my biggest rivals. I have huge respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and will continue to do in the next 10, 15 or 20 years. God only knows how many years they’ll play, they’re very young,” concluded the native of Belgrade.
Djokovic was extremely lucky at the Australian Open this year. He did not lose a set in the first three rounds against low-ranked opponents. In the round of 16, Jakub Menšík resigned before the match, and in the quarterfinals he was scratched by Musetti, who clearly outplayed the Serb in two sets, but was stopped by an injury to his right thigh. He will face Sinner to continue his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title and an undefeated 11th Melbourne final.
Worth a look
