Bild: keystone
Novak Djokovic will play the Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday at almost 39. Either way, history will be written.
31.01.2026, 09:4331.01.2026, 09:43
When Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals on Friday, hearts went out to him in Melbourne Park. He, who had to fight for the fans’ favor for most of his career, will be celebrated in the autumn of his career – as is customary for all old stars.
But Djokovic doesn’t want to see himself as a veteran star (yet): “In preparation, I imagined playing against Jannik (Sinner) and Carlos (Alcaraz) in the decisive rounds of the Grand Slams this year, fighting it out and giving everything I have,” said Djokovic. “I’m happy that I can do that at the first Grand Slam of the year.”
prove otherwise
Djokovic probably imagined the whole thing to be something like the 3:6, 6:3, 4:6, 6:4, 6:4 in the semi-final against Jannik Sinner. The whole tennis world was watching, especially his critics, who no longer believed he could achieve such feats or reach a Grand Slam final. Djokovic: “There are so many people who doubt me. I see so many experts who suddenly want me to quit, or who have already written me off several times in the past few years. I want to thank these people because they gave me the strength. They gave me the motivation to convince them otherwise.”
When the Serb was asked last week whether he would now chase Sinner and Alcaraz after the rivalry with Federer and Nadal, he put the dimensions into perspective. He finds it “a little disrespectful” that the time in between is simply ignored. Djokovic: “There was probably a 15-year phase in which I dominated the Grand Slams. To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m chasing.”
Oldest or youngest ever
Djokovic described the semi-final success over Sinner as “the best in a decade”. How would he rate a final victory over Alcaraz? It would be his 25th Grand Slam title, which would mean he would have one more title than the Australian Margaret Court, who did not leave her seat in the box until 2 a.m. as a spectator on Saturday night beyond the witching hour.
The question is how well Djokovic can recover from the more than four hour long fight against Sinner. Every minute until the final is used for regeneration. Djokovic: “History is at stake – for both of us.”
Djokovic could not only extend his Grand Slam record, he would also replace Australian Ken Rosewall as the oldest Grand Slam winner in singles. Rosewall won the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 37, Djokovic will be 39 this year. Roger Federer won his last major title in 2017 at the age of almost 36.
The final is also very special for Carlos Alcaraz after the five-set drama including cramps against Alexander Zverev. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tournament he has not yet won. At 22 years and 272 days, he would be the youngest tennis professional in history to complete the so-called career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz made it clear how much that would mean to him after the win against Zverev. The world number one was asked what he would choose if he could choose between the triumph in Melbourne and victories at all three other major tournaments this year. His answer left no doubt: “I would choose this title here.” (lak/sda)
