![\"Novak](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/djokovic-reaction-australian-open-2026-wednesday-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n ATP Tour
\n Sinner & Alcaraz have arrived, but Djokovic says \u2018I\u2019m not waving the white flag\u2019<\/p>\n
Serbian comments on tennis\u2019 new power struggle amid bid for 11th title in Melbourne<\/p>\n
January 28, 2026<\/p>\n
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2026 Peter Staples<\/p>\n
Novak Djokovic is into his 13th Australian Open semi-final.
\n By Jerome Coombe<\/p>\n
Novak Djokovic<\/a> has never been one to downplay his ambitions, and even at 38, he isn\u2019t about to start now.<\/p>\n After Lorenzo Musetti<\/a> was forced to retire on Wednesday while holding a two-set lead, the Serbian moved into his 13th Australian Open<\/a> semi-final. Standing between Djokovic and a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park is the sport\u2019s new power struggle.<\/p>\n Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> and Jannik Sinner<\/a>, the top two players in the PIF ATP Rankings, have split the past eight major titles between them, and Djokovic could be required to beat both to lift the trophy again. Yet while he acknowledges the momentum of the game\u2019s newest rivalry, Djokovic\u2019s mind still drifts to the battles that defined an era.<\/p>\n \u201cRoger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals,\u201d said Djokovic, who owns a positive Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Federer and Nadal. \u201cI have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and what they will do for the next 10 to 15, 20 years\u2026 God knows how many years they’re going to play, they’re so young.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a natural cycle in sports. You’re going to have another two superstars [and] maybe have another third guy \u2014 who I’m going to cheer for \u2014 because I’ve always been the third guy at the beginning. But it’s good for our sport. I think these kinds of rivalries and the contrast of the personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis.\u201d<\/p>\n The numbers underline just how present Djokovic still is. In 2025, he reached the semi-finals at all four majors, retiring against Alexander Zverev<\/a> in Melbourne, losing to Sinner in straight sets at both Roland Garros<\/a> and Wimbledon<\/a>, and falling to Alcaraz at the US Open<\/a>.<\/p>\n While results suggest the new generation has seized the upper hand, Djokovic rejects the idea that he is chasing anyone else\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n \u201cHow is [their rivalry] affecting me? As I said, I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own history,\u201d Djokovic said. \u201cI’ve been very clear when I say that my intention is always in terms of achievements, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAre they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n With his opening-round win over Pedro Martinez<\/a>, he became the first player to record 100 victories at three different Grand Slam events. Now, he is chasing a record 25th major title, one with which he would move him clear of Margaret Court atop the all-time list.<\/p>\n![\"\u201cATP\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/atp-no-1-club-banner-article.jpg\")
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