Djokovic Questions His Edge Against Sinner and Alcaraz at the Open
17 January 2026
Ahead of the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic remains unsure about his ability to beat the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in best-of-five set majors, according to his pre tournament briefing on the eve of the Australian Open.
He noted that he had knocked out Alcaraz in Melbourne last year but later fell to Sinner in the semifinals of Wimbledon and the US Open. He admitted doubts about matching their level in majors, especially in late rounds. He stressed that matches are long and momentum can flip quickly.
Belief, Fitness, and the Road Forward
When he is fit and sharp, Djokovic says he still believes he can beat anyone, and that confidence is what keeps him competitive, even as he recognizes Sinner and Alcaraz are playing at a different level right now. He adds that small improvements, rest, and practice can make a big difference.
He also conceded that the path to a title remains challenging, and that his energy levels have to rise to compete in late grand slams. He pulled out of Adelaide this week as a precaution, signaling he will not be at 100 percent immediately but will push his way back. The road back is not always straightforward for a legend.
When asked about the odds, Djokovic said he knows that when he is healthy and can connect his game, he feels capable of beating anyone. If he did not have that belief, he would not be present or competing. He also noted that the current dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz is real, but there is room for others and the door is not closed for a return to major glory in 2026.
In closing, Djokovic added that while Sinner and Alcaraz lead the way at the moment, there are other contenders and he remains hopeful of a major challenge in the season ahead. The energy to chase is part of the game, and he is ready to fight.
And yes, a little tea and a good warmup help, too. The tennis world is watching, but Djokovic likes to keep it light, even when the scoreboard is heavy. Some say the net cord may decide more than skill in late stages, and Djokovic takes that in stride. If all else fails, he can always blame the court for being a fan of the two youngsters.
His final reflection: the best weapon might be timing, a strong coffee, and a stubborn bounce. If the match slips away, he can blame the wind, the court, or a mischievous ball boy for good measure.
