“One of the worst Grand Slam matches,” Novak Djokovic opens up on a heartbreaking self-criticism after Jannik Sinner stuns him at the Australian Open semifinals

Novak Djokovic was completely blown by Jannik Sinner in first two sets.

“One of the worst Grand Slam matches,” Novak Djokovic opens up on a heartbreaking self-criticism after Jannik Sinner stuns him at the Australian Open semifinals

Novak Djokovic (Source: Imago)

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of the 2024 Australian Open after losing to Jannik Sinner in the semifinal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who is known for his dominance in the tournament (having won it ten times), lost in four sets, and Djokovic was clearly disappointed. Although he lost to a future superstar, the magnitude of the defeat will sting him forever.

Djokovic never looked in the game as Sinner dictated terms from the ball go. The 22-year-old did not allow Djokovic to settle as he claimed the first set 6-1. Djokovic could not recover from this early blow and lost the second set 2-6.

YouTube video

Although the 36-year-old made a comeback and won the third set in the tiebreaker, Djokovic could not save the match and eventually lost in four sets of 1-6, 2-6, 7-6, 3-6. He was disappointed and frustrated and it showed in his post-match press conference when the Serbian labeled this match as one of the worst.

FS Video

Novak Djokovic said that he was shocked by the level of his gameplay. The Serbian ace then labeled it as his worst Grand Slam match ever.

I am shocked by my level in a bad way. This is one of the worst grand slam matches I have played.
Novak Djokovic said in the post-match press conference.

Novak Djokovic has a new competent rival in Jannik Sinner

While Novak Djokovic is the top-ranked player on the ATP tour and sits atop with 24 Grand Slam titles to his credit, the Serbian is facing stiff challenges from the youngsters. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are Djokovic’s top two rivals on the tour at the moment.

Novak-Djokovic-Jannik-Sinner-AO24
Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Images via Sportal.ai, Business Insider)

While Carlos Alcaraz denied Djokovic a chance to complete a Calendar Slam in 2023 as the Spaniard beat him in the Wimbledon final, Sinner denied Djokovic a chance to win his 11th Australian Open title. The Italian has now defeated Djokovic in two major semifinals- the Davis Cup Finals and the Australian Open.

Also, the 22-year-old has won three of their last four encounters. Sinner is coming up as a new competent rival for Djokovic who seemed to enjoy a one-sided dominance in the past few years. It is to be seen if the Italian ace betters his head-to-head record against Djokovic when they meet next time or if the Serb manages to avenge his defeat.

In case you missed!