“Surreal moments like this keep me going”
Novak Djokovic admitted he was left almost speechless after another unforgettable late-night battle at Rod Laver Arena, describing the intensity, atmosphere and quality of tennis as among the highest he has experienced in Melbourne.
Speaking on court after his five-set victory, Djokovic reflected on the physical demands of the match, his respect for the new generation, and the significance of once again reaching the Australian Open final.
A surreal night and an extraordinary level of tennis
Djokovic described the match as a surreal experience, played deep into the night with an intensity reminiscent of some of the longest and most demanding contests of his career.
He compared the atmosphere and physical toll to past Australian Open classics, acknowledging that the only way to compete was to match the extreme level of intensity from the first point.
Djokovic admitted that facing an opponent who had beaten him repeatedly in recent meetings required him to elevate his game significantly.
Respect for Sinner and appreciation of the battle
Djokovic was quick to praise Jannik Sinner, highlighting the Italian’s ability to push him to the very limits both physically and mentally.
He noted that Sinner’s recent dominance in their head-to-head meetings demanded a special performance and expressed tremendous respect for his opponent’s quality and competitiveness.
Djokovic emphasized that the match deserved recognition as a great battle rather than being defined by any single moment.
A special connection with the Melbourne crowd
The Serbian star paid tribute to the Australian Open crowd, describing the atmosphere as one of the best he has ever experienced in Melbourne.
He thanked the fans for their passion and unwavering support throughout the night, calling the relationship with the Australian audience unique and deeply meaningful.
Djokovic admitted that the energy from the stands played a major role in helping him push through the toughest moments of the match.
Finding the level against the next generation
Reflecting on comments he made last year about the rising level of younger players, Djokovic explained that while best-of-five matches are extremely demanding, they are never impossible.
He acknowledged that players like Sinner and Alcaraz are performing at an exceptional level and said the challenge lies in finding that level himself when it matters most.
Djokovic added that he watched the earlier semifinal with great interest, praising both Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev for delivering an outstanding match.
Eyes on recovery and another shot at history
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Djokovic remained cautious, stressing the importance of recovery before facing the world No.1.
While acknowledging the historic opportunity to compete for an 11th Australian Open title and a 25th Grand Slam crown, Djokovic said his immediate focus is on having enough energy to compete at the highest level once again.
“I just hope I’ll have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe,” he said, leaving the final outcome to be decided on the court.
Djokovic will return to Rod Laver Arena aiming to write yet another chapter in his remarkable Australian Open legacy.