Djokovic: “I saw Alcaraz after his match and I told him: ‘I’m an old man, I need to go to sleep earlier’”
After defeating Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic shares a lighthearted exchange with Carlos Alcaraz and reflects on his upcoming clash with the world No. 1.
Novak Djokovic rode a wave of emotions from tears to laughter after defeating Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals. Exhausted, he took a moment to collect himself on the bench before speaking with Jim Courier in a postmatch interview. During their conversation, he also revealed a playful exchange with Carlos Alcaraz in the corridors of Rod Laver Arena, following the Spanish star’s win over Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the other semifinal.
Djokovic in jovial mood after stunning Sinner win
“Yes, I watched the match. I was very eager to get out on the court. What an incredible match. We tried to match that quality and that intensity. Credit to both of those guys for battling it out. I think the ticket was good value today. I want 10 percent tonight’s ticket sales. Craig, 10 percent. No negotiations,” Djokovic said with a grin.
He continued, recalling his chat with Alcaraz: “I saw Carlos after the match and he said, ‘Sorry to delay the start of your match.’ I told him, ‘I’m an old man, I need to go to sleep earlier.’ I’m looking forward to seeing him again in a couple of days.”
Already feeling like a champion
Djokovic said he felt a sense of victory even before the final match. “Honestly, it already feels like winning tonight. But I know I have to come back in a couple of days and fight the world No. 1. I just hope I have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. That’s my desire. Then we’ll see who wins.”
Sinner reflects on missed opportunities
Jannik Sinner admitted the loss stung. “Yes, it hurts a lot. This was a very important Grand Slam for me, especially given the lead-up. It happens: it was a great match from both of us. I had a lot of opportunities I didn’t take, and that’s the result. It hurts more because of that, no doubt,” said the 24-year-old Italian during the press conference.
He added, “Djokovic played fantastic tennis. I hope I can learn from this, take it as a lesson, and see what I can improve.”
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