Novak Djokovic leaves Australian Open future open after Carlos Alcaraz loss: ‘I’m not sure what is next'

Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in the 2026 Australian Open semifinals, but then lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the finals.

Published on: Feb 3, 2026, 09:09:05 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Novak Djokovic's fairytale campaign at the 2026 Australian Open came to a stuttering end in the finals. The Serbian lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 5-7. After the title showdown, many fans wondered if this was Djokovic's last Australian Open. Speaking in the post-match press conference, the 38-year-old restated his plans to play 'until the 2028 Olympics', suggesting we might see him in action in Melbourne again.

Novak Djokovic reacts during a press conference. (AFP)

In the final, Alcaraz dropped the first set in 33 minutes as Djokovic battled hard for his 25th Grand Slam title. But the Spaniard was resilient and bounced back in the second set. Djokovic tried to prove a point, but soon ran out of energy as Alcaraz raced to victory.

Also Read: Turning defence into dominance: Carlos Alcaraz's tactical masterstroke that toppled Novak Djokovic in Melbourne

‘I’m not sure what is next': Novak Djokovic

"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys. That’s why I left it open. I really don’t know. You’ve followed me for a long time and I don’t pretend or fake things. I told you for the last year or year and a half that I’m not sure how much and what is next. I said I’d like to play until the 2028 Olympics, but that might mean playing one tournament a year, maybe ten, fifteen, two, or seven—I honestly don’t know", he said.

“I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule and future so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family and then I’ll see what’s next.”

Djokovic clinched his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023, which drew him level with Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list. Before the 2026 AUS Open, his last final was in 2024 at Wimbledon, where he lost to Alcaraz.

In 2025, he reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, but failed to reach the title showdown of any as Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared spoils.

But in Melbourne, Djokovic showed that he can still fight against younger players like Sinner and Alcaraz. In the semifinals, he rolled back the years to defeat Sinner, 14 years his junior, in a five-set thriller.

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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