Novak Djokovic is not giving up on winning his 25th Slam after the Australian Open final loss against Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard claimed a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to keep Djokovic at bay.
The Serbian got off to a brisk start, winning the opening set in 33 minutes. However, the veteran could not keep up the same level in the next three sets as Alcaraz was able to turn a corner after losing the opening set.
Djokovic had come into the summit clash a bit fresher as he received a walkover in the fourth round whereas Lorenzo Musetti had retired in the quarterfinal clash after winning the opening two sets.
“I always believe I can,” Djokovic said when asked about whether he feels he can win a 25th Slam. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing, and I said this numerous times. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets. I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start, and I felt great about myself and then things changed.
“It is what it is. That’s sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make an assessment of what happened over the last couple of weeks, it’s an incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship. Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling. But nevertheless, I have to be content with this result.”
The Serbian admitted he has lowered his expectations in the last couple of seasons, which has helped him keep tension and stress at bay.
“I lowered my expectations the last couple of years, which also, I think, allows me to be able to let go of some of that unnecessary additional stress,” Djokovic explained. “It’s always tension and stress and pressure, and I just don’t want to be overwhelmed by it.
“It also feels good a little bit not being always the main favourite to win Slams. I think that kind of gives you a little bit of that extra motivation, I guess, when it comes down to the last rounds of the Slam.”
Djokovic would look to keep up the good show in the rest of the season.
