(In Pictures) Novak Djokovic Gives a Three-Word Response to his Critics After Reaching the Australian Open Final

Novak Djokovic has reached 11 Australian Open finals, after beating Jannik Sinner in an epic five-setter.

(In Pictures) Novak Djokovic Gives a Three-Word Response to his Critics After Reaching the Australian Open Final

Novak Djokovic (via ATP Tour)

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Just when the tennis world was ready to write him off, Novak Djokovic did what he does best: he flipped the script. In a match that felt less like a sporting event and more like a psychological thriller, the 38-year-old Serbian legend rolled back the years to defeat defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set marathon at the Australian Open.

But it wasn’t just the win that had people talking—it was the message he left behind. After sealing the final point on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic walked over to the camera lens, marker in hand, and scribbled three words that perfectly encapsulated his mood. Djokovic’s message on camera:

You were saying?

This win puts an abrupt end to Sinner’s dominance down under and reignites the conversation about longevity in modern sports. The viewers aren’t just watching a great tennis player; they are watching an athlete who refuses to accept the standard limitations of biology.

However, his critics are always there. After his quarterfinal, Djokovic was asked about ‘chasing’ Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner for Grand Slams, a question he deemed disrespectful. Then, he also had a clash with Mats Wilander about his conduct on that question.

The resurrection of Novak Djokovic

Coming into this semi-final, the odds didn’t look good for Novak Djokovic. He had struggled massively in the quarter-final against Lorenzo Musetti, barely scraping by after his opponent retired due to injury. He looked slow. He looked tired. He looked his age.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Lacoste)

Pundits were already drafting their “end of an era” think pieces. With Jannik Sinner looking unstoppable after winning back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2024 and 2025, this was supposed to be the official passing of the torch.

Instead, Djokovic reminded everyone why the viewers should never bet against him in Melbourne. Despite trailing early and looking out of sorts, he managed to drag the young Italian into deep waters.

Over four grueling hours, Djokovic slowly dismantled Sinner’s rhythm, mixing up his pace and refusing to give away free points. It was a masterclass in mental toughness. By the time the fifth set rolled around, the physical gap between the 38-year-old and the 24-year-old had vanished.

The Ultimate showdown: Djokovic vs. Alcaraz

So, what happens next? Only the biggest match of the year. Novak Djokovic now advances to his favorite stage—the Australian Open final—where he has literally never lost. Waiting for him is Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (via The Tennis Letter)

The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher. For Djokovic, a win means a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and his 11th Australian Open trophy. It cements his status as the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time), if that title was even still in question

For Alcaraz, the 22-year-old phenom is gunning for his Career Grand Slam. Beating Djokovic on his home court to achieve that milestone would be the ultimate statement.

Alcaraz reached the final after his own five-set war against Alexander Zverev, meaning both finalists have been tested heavily. This is the rivalry that has come to define modern tennis, and we are getting another chapter.

Also Read: Juan Carlos Ferrero Shares Cryptic Response on Potentially Coaching Jannik Sinner After Carlos Alcaraz Split