Novak Djokovic Snaps Back at Questions About ‘Chasing’ Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz: “I Find It A Bit Disrespectful”

If everyone thought Novak Djokovic was ready to quietly pass the torch and fade into the background, think again. The 24-time Grand Slam champion made it crystal clear at the 2026 Australian Open that he has zero intention of playing second fiddle to anyone—even the sport’s two brightest young stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

But when a reporter asked Djokovic directly if he feels like he is now “chasing” the world No. 1 and No. 2, the Serbian legend didn’t mince words. Firstly, he asked the question himself about this scenario.

I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense?

Novak Djokovic said in the post-match press conference

Then, the reporter told him that he was referring to the Grand Slam titles. Djokovic cheekily asked him if he is always a chaser, considering he is now the all-time Grand Slam holder. The journalist agreed on that, upon which Djokovic gave another iconic response.

Thanks, it’s worth saying that sometimes, right?

Novak Djokovic said

Then, Djokovic went all-out on the journalist for portraying that he’s always chased other players. Instead, the journalists should know that he has all the major records to his name.

I find if 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. There’s probably about a 15 year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams. I think it’s important to put that in perspective. I dont feel like I’m chasing to be honest. Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals. I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and they will continue to do for the next 10, 15, 20 years. This is a kind of natural cycle in sports. You’re going to have another 2 superstars that are going to maybe have a 3rd guy that I’m going to cheer for, because I’ve always been the 3rd guy at the beginning. It’s good for our sport. I think these kind of rivalries and the contrast of personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis. And how is that effecting me? I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own history.

Novak Djokovic added

The tennis world loves a good narrative, and right now, the story everyone wants to tell is about the “Changing of the Guard.” It makes sense on paper. There are Alcaraz and Sinner, the dynamic duo who have swept the last eight Grand Slam titles since the 2023 US Open.

They are young, they are fast, and they are winning. Naturally, the press room buzz has shifted toward asking how the old guard—specifically, Djokovic—plans to keep up.

The Reality of the New Tennis Landscape

While Novak Djokovic remains defiant, the context of the question is hard to ignore. The landscape of men’s tennis has shifted dramatically over the last two years. The days of the “Big Three” holding a stranglehold on every major trophy are gone.

It is now deep in the era of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Since Djokovic’s victory at the US Open in 2023, these two young guns have turned the tour into their personal playground, facing each other in three straight finals. At 38 years old, the Serb is fighting not just opponents across the net, but the inevitable march of time.

Yet, this is exactly why his response matters. Most 38-year-olds in professional sports are ceremonially waving goodbye. Djokovic is still making deep runs in majors. His refusal to validate the “chase” narrative shows he isn’t content with a participation trophy. He still believes the title goes through him.

What This Means for the Australian Open

So, where does the tournament go from here? As the 2026 Australian Open rolls on, all eyes are on Novak Djokovic. His fiery response has added an extra layer of spice to the tournament. It’s no longer just about who plays the best tennis; it’s about whether the legend can back up his words.

Fans are viewing this as a statement of intent. Djokovic isn’t here to be a gatekeeper for the next generation; he’s here to win, and he has a chance against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday.

While Alcaraz and the Italian remain the statistical favorites and the faces of the sport’s future, the Serb is reminding everyone that the present isn’t quite finished yet. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has actually got very lucky to be in this situation.

In the third round against Botic Van Zandschulp, he survived a disqualification after closely missing the ball boy while striking a ball. He got a walkover against Jakub Mensik in the fourth round, and now, his opponent quit after being two sets up in the quarterfinals. Maybe the stars are aligning for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Confronts Umpire After Getting Time Violation Warning During Tense Australian Open Clash with Lorenzo Musetti