‘I hope I have enough gas’: Novak Djokovic on going toe-to-toe with Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic had to rely on his experience and kept his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive, defeating Jannik Sinner at the Rod Laver Arena.

Published on: Jan 30, 2026, 21:35:44 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Novak Djokovic defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner to set up a blockbuster Australian Open final showdown against Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard, whose semifinal clash was before the Serbian's, survived a five-set match against Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic spoke about facing Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.

Speaking after his win against Sinner, Djokovic said, "Yes, I saw Carlos after the match. He told me I'm sorry to delay the start of your match. I told him, I'm an old man. I need to go earlier to sleep, so I'm looking forward to see him in a few days."

Also Read: Novak Djokovic defies age to oust defending champion Jannik Sinner, sets up Australian Open final vs Carlos Alcaraz

Djokovic had to rely on his experience and kept his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive, defeating Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic was extremely emotional after his match, which lasted four hours, nine minutes. "I'm lost for words right now, to be honest. It feels surreal," he said.

"I have tremendous respect for him, he pushed me to the limit. The level of intensity, and I guess the quality of tennis, was extremely high, and I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight."

The win against Sinner sent Djokovic to his 39th Grand Slam final, and he also became the oldest man in the Open era to reach the final in Melbourne, where he has already won 10 times.

It will also be his first final since Wimbledon 2024. The Serbian has been trying to overtake Margaret Court and get a landmark 25th major since his last title at the 2023 US Open.

‘Let God decide the winner!’

Sending a message to Alcaraz, Djokovic added, "I know I have to come back in couple of days to fight the World No. 1. I just hope I will have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. That's my desire and then let God decide the winner!"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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