Novak Djokovic apologised for a late-night press conference and then complained about a line of questioning as the world No. 4 booked his place in the Australian Open semi-finals
Novak Djokovic apologised for arriving late to his Australian Open press conference(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic offered an apology for keeping journalists waiting before his post-match press conference, then bristled at a particular question following his progression to the Australian Open semi-finals through his opponent’s retirement.
“I apologise for the day, thank you for your patience,” the 10-time Melbourne champion said as he took his seat. The fourth seed had dropped the opening two sets against Lorenzo Musetti before the Italian sustained an injury and withdrew at 6-4 6-3 1-3.
Djokovic has now advanced to his seventh consecutive semi-final at Melbourne Park, where he’ll meet either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton. While Sinner and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz have shared the previous eight Grand Slam crowns between them, Djokovic made the last four at all four Majors in 2025 and has been the third-strongest performer at the sport’s biggest events behind Sinner and Alcaraz.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic quarter final ends immediately as Australian Open star forced to retireREAD MORE: Boris Becker was caught off guard as Novak Djokovic’s behaviour summed up person he is
When the 38-year-old was questioned about whether his current standing, pursuing Sinner and Alcaraz at the Slams, echoed his early career days when he was trailing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he interrupted.
“I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense? So I’m always the chaser and I’m never being chased?” Djokovic challenged.
After the journalist clarified the comment related specifically to Grand Slam tournaments at present, and acknowledged his 24 Grand Slam titles won across nearly two decades, the Serbian legend responded: “Thanks. It’s worth saying that sometimes, right?”
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
When questioned about comparing different phases of his career, Djokovic responded: “Well, I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between where the times when I started chasing, as you say, Rafa and Roger, and now that I’m chasing Carlos and Jannik, and there’s probably about a 15-year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams.
“So I think it’s important to put that in perspective. I don’t feel like I’m chasing, to be honest.
Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semi-finals(Image: Getty Images)
“Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals. I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and they continue to do and they will do for the next 10 to 15, 20 years. God knows how many years they’re going to play, they’re so young.”
Djokovic is thrilled to see Sinner and Alcaraz shaping up as the new tennis rivalry, but he’s also keen to see another player rise to their level. However, his primary focus remains on his own historic journey, with an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title still up for grabs this week.
“This is a kind of natural cycle in sports,” Djokovic added. “You know, you’re going to have another two superstars that are going to maybe have another third guy, you know, that I’m going to cheer for, because I’ve always been the third guy at the beginning, but it’s good for our sport.
“I think these kind of rivalries and the contrast of the personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis. How is that affecting me? As I said, I don’t feel like I’m chasing.
“I’m creating my own history, and I think, you know, I’ve been very clear when I say that my intention is always to – in terms of achievements and objectives and results, I want to get to the championship match in every tournament, particularly Slams.
“Slams are one of the biggest reasons why I keep on competing and playing tennis. So, yeah, I mean, that’s all I can say. Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. I mean, the quality and the level is amazing. It’s great. It’s phenomenal.
“But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I’m going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them.”
Djokovic was forced to pull out injured during his semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev at this tournament 12 months ago. Since that setback, his only defeats at Grand Slam level have come against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serbian icon could face two-time defending champion Sinner on Friday, and as he’s made abundantly clear, he’s determined to battle until the very end.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.