Dejected Novak Djokovic Laments Australian Open Loss as ‘One Of The Worst’ of Career

The 24-time Grand Slam champion didn’t hold back after his semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner.

Novak Djokovic didn’t hold back when asked about Friday’s Australian Open semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. 

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion who hadn’t been beaten in Melbourne since 2018, was defeated by Sinner in four sets in a shocking upset. It was surprising enough that Djokovic was bested in an Australian Open semifinal, a first in his illustrious career. 

But perhaps even more surprising than that was the fact that Djokovic seemingly couldn’t get out of his own way on the court. 

Speaking to reporters after the match, Djokovic didn’t mince words, calling the loss “one of the worst Grand Slam matches” he had ever played. 

"This is one of the worst Grand Slam matches I've ever played!"

Brutal honesty from Novak Djokovic - who sets the highest standard for himself.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/jWOZUmKzcq

— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 26, 2024

It’s difficult to argue with Djokovic, who make sure to give Sinner props for his play.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, known as arguably the greatest returner of serve in the sport’s history, didn’t see a single break point opportunity. Djokovic, who possesses a machine-like efficiency in his groundstrokes, littered the court with uncharacteristic mistakes, to the tune of 54 unforced errors. 

It very well might have been his worst performance in a Grand Slam match. But don’t read too much into it. 

Novak Djokovic says his loss to Jannik Sinner doesn’t mean it’s the beginning of the end for him:

“I still have high hopes, you know, for other slams, Olympics, and whatever tournaments that I'll play. It's just the beginning of the season.
It's not the feeling that I'm used to.… pic.twitter.com/IV00GMabvr

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 26, 2024

If history is any indication, Djokovic will bounce back.