Novak Djokovic (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) Novak Djokovic reflected on an uncertain future after defeat in the Australian Open final on Sunday, describing his journey as a “great ride” following his four-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Rod Laver Arena. The 38-year-old was beaten by the 22-year-old Spaniard, leaving him still level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles, one short of the all-time record. Djokovic admitted after the match that even reaching another major final once seemed unlikely. He hinted that what lies ahead remains unclear and acknowledged how much the run in Melbourne meant to him. Despite a complicated relationship with Australian crowds in the past, Djokovic expressed deep appreciation for the support he has received this year. “I just want to conclude by saying that you guys, especially in the last couple of games, have given me something that I’ve never experienced in Australia,” he told the crowd. “So much love, support, positivity. I’ve tried to give it back to you over the years with good tennis.” The Serb, who last contested a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2024 where he also lost to Alcaraz, was candid about his emotions at the closing ceremony. “I have to be very honest and say that I didn’t think I would be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam again,” Djokovic said. “So I guess I also owe you guys a debt of gratitude for pushing me forward these past few weeks. Looking ahead, he offered no guarantees. “God knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone six months or 12 months from now. So it’s been a great ride. I love you guys.” Djokovic’s last major title came at the 2023 US Open, when Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner established themselves at the top of the men’s game. Still, Djokovic created a reminder of his enduring quality by defeating Sinner in a grueling five-set semi-final, a result he described as “an incredible achievement for me”. “Of course, it’s a bitter feeling after losing, but I still have to be satisfied with this result,” said Djokovic, a record 10-time Australian Open champion who lost for the first time in the final in Melbourne. While admitting the win over Sinner was “encouraging”, Djokovic added: “You know, it’s not enough for me. Yeah, we’ll see. I’ll keep pushing and see if I get another chance.” His path to the finals was helped by bad luck for others. Jakub Menšík was injured before the fourth-round match and Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire when leading in the quarter-finals. Acknowledging the impact of age and injury, Djokovic said he had adjusted his outlook in recent years. “With age and injuries catching up with Djokovic, he admitted he had ‘lowered my expectations’ in the last few years,” he said. “I think it allows me to let go of some unnecessary extra stress. It also feels kind of good that I’m not always the heavy favorite to win the Slams.”
