Novak Djokovic calls out ‘disrespectful’ question at Australian Open press conference

January 29, 2026 Oliver Obel

As Novak Djokovic closes in on another landmark at the Australian Open, the 38-year-old made clear he does not view his career as a constant pursuit of others past or present.

Speaking after reaching the semi-finals in Melbourne, Djokovic pushed back at a question that framed his career as one of “chasing” first Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and now Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The suggestion struck a nerve with the Serbian, who has spent much of the past two decades at the centre of men’s tennis.

Djokovic advanced to the last four after an unusual quarter-final against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti was forced to retire injured despite holding a two-set lead, ending the contest prematurely and sending Djokovic through.

The result set up a semi-final meeting with Sinner, with a place in Sunday’s final at stake. Djokovic is attempting to win a 25th Grand Slam singles title a milestone that would further extend his own record.

According to Australian Open tournament records, Djokovic has already lifted the trophy in Melbourne 10 times, more than any other men’s player. Another title would reinforce his long-standing dominance at the event, even as a new generation continues to assert itself at the top of the game.

That generational shift formed the backdrop to the exchange during Djokovic’s post-match press conference. A reporter suggested that Djokovic had spent his early career chasing Federer and Nadal, and was now doing the same with Sinner and Alcaraz.

Djokovic interrupted the question.

“So I’m always the chaser and I’m never being chased?” he said.

He later described the premise as “disrespectful,” arguing that it overlooked a significant period in which he was the sport’s dominant figure.

“Well, I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between the times when I started chasing, as you say, Rafa and Roger, and now that I'm chasing Carlos and Jannik,” Djokovic said.
“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.”

Djokovic went on to draw a clear distinction between his long-standing rivalries and his respect for the players now emerging at the top of the sport.

“Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals,” he said. “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.”

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Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic collectively defined one of the most competitive eras in men’s tennis, setting records that once appeared untouchable. Sinner and Alcaraz, by contrast, represent a rapidly evolving future one in which Djokovic remains very much present.

Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have won the past eight Grand Slam titles, but Djokovic has continued to reach the latter stages of major tournaments well into his late 30s, challenging players more than a decade younger.

Whether or not he adds another Australian Open title this week, Djokovic’s response made one thing clear: he sees his career not as a series of pursuits, but as a prolonged period at the summit one he is still reluctant to leave.

Sources: Australian Open press conference; tournament records