For a player who has won so often in such iconic fashion over the years, it’s hard to categorize the significance of the victory. What should we make of Novak Djokovic’s comeback moment last night, when he defeated two-time defending champion Janik Sinner in a match that few thought he would win?
What is certain is that this is Djokovic’s best victory as a 38-year-old player. Even the Serbian icon, whose memory bank holds so many immortal moments of greatness, had to agree.
“I dare not call it [my] “This is the best ever, but definitely the best in the last few years,” he told reporters after beating Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in five sets. “In these circumstances and against Sinner in the semi-finals, he has been playing the best tennis of his life [over the] The past few years, especially here, [where he is a] Two-time defending champion, it doesn’t get much better than this. “
Anyone who watched Djokovic slouching two sets behind Lorenzo Musetti in a two-player quarterfinal two days ago can say he was at least surprised, even shocked. Djokovic seemed to have a specific vision when training in the offseason, and it didn’t include Musetti. Instead, it includes Sinner and Alcaraz.
He talked about the challenges he currently faces in finding motivation and where he envisions himself this season.
“When I started preparing for the season and setting goals, it was no secret that the Grand Slams were where I wanted to play my best tennis, but I think, it became more difficult for me to motivate myself and ask myself questions. You know, ‘Okay, what am I looking for in myself?’
“I imagined really playing against Jannik and Carlos in the final stages of the Grand Slams this year and giving it my all and giving it my all.”
Djokovic found a way to win this opportunity – maybe helped by Musetti’s injury, but does it really matter? Importantly, what the history books will remember is that he got rid of the man who took over his house at Rod Laver Arena and made it his home. He did it with a classic performance that immediately makes him a legitimate threat to do the same thing against Alcaraz on Sunday.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Djokovic said. “So, throughout my Grand Slam career, there have been many, many days where you feel like you’re not at your best. You’re trying to find a way to win with everything you possibly have, even if the quality of tennis isn’t quite where you want it to be.”
How did Djokovic take control of the match and surpass Sinner in such a short period of time after a mediocre performance against Musetti? With faith. and a personal tendency to prove doubters completely wrong.
“I never stopped doubting,” Djokovic said. “I never stopped believing in myself. There were a lot of people who doubted me. I saw a lot of experts suddenly wanting to retire me, or have retired me multiple times over the past few years.
“I want to thank all of them because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong, and I had that motivation tonight. To be honest, to me, it’s not surprising.”
