Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have arrived, but Novak Djokovic says ‘I’m not raising the white flag’ | ATP Tour
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Sinner and Alcaraz have arrived, but Djokovic says ‘I’m not raising the white flag’
Serbians comment on new tennis power struggle amid bid for 11th title in Melbourne
January 28, 2026
2026 Peter Staples
Novak Djokovic has entered his 13th Australian Open semi-final.
Written by Jerome Coombe
Novak Djokovic has never played down his ambitions, and even at 38, he hasn’t started yet.
After Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire on Wednesday while holding a two-set lead, the Serbian is into his 13th Australian Open semi-final. Standing between Djokovic and a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park is a new power struggle in the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the top two players in the PIF ATP Rankings, have split the last eight major titles between them, and Djokovic may need to win both to lift the trophy again. While he acknowledges the momentum of the game’s new challenger, Djokovic’s mind remains on era-defining battles.
“Roger and Rafa will always be my biggest rivals,” said Djokovic, who has a perfect Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Federer and Nadal. “I have a lot of respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and what they will do in the next 10 to 15, 20 years… God knows how many years they will play, they are still very young.
“This is a natural cycle in sports, there will be two more champions [and] maybe I’ll have another third boy – which I’ll be happy about – because I’ve always been the third in the beginning. But it’s good for our sport. I think these types of opponents and the differences in people and playing styles are great for tennis. “
The numbers confirm that Djokovic is still there. In 2025, he reached the semifinals of all four majors, losing to Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, losing to Sinner in straight sets at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and falling to Alcaraz at the US Open.
Although the results suggest that a new generation is taking over, Djokovic dismisses the idea that he is chasing someone else’s legacy.
“How is it [their rivalry] that affect me? Like I said, I don’t feel like I’m in a rush. I am creating my own history,” said Djokovic.” I have been clear when I say that my purpose is always about my achievements, goals and results. I want to get to the championship match of every tournament, especially the Slams. The Slams are one of the biggest reasons why I continue to compete and play tennis.
“Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are better. The quality and level is amazing. It’s great. It’s amazing. But does that mean I’m going out with the white flag? No. I’m going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my best to challenge them.”
With his opening round win over Pedro Martinez, he became the first player to record 100 wins in three separate Grand Slam events. Now, he is chasing a record 25th title, which would move him off Margaret Court’s all-time list.
A fourth-round exit following Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal gave Djokovic more time to recover, raising questions about his fitness as he awaits two-time defending champion Sinner or Ben Shelton in Friday’s semifinals. Asked how his body is, Djokovic kept it simple.
“I had blisters that needed to be looked at and re-taped,” Djokovic said. “That’s what I did in the last game and now. That’s what worries me the most, to be honest, I don’t have any other big problems.
“You always have little problems with your body, at least for me every day.” But the biggest problems?
