Djokovic shocked by defeat at Australian Open 2024

Australia World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic did not expect to play so poorly and lose to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-final on January 26.

"In a way, I was really shocked with my performance today," Djokovic said in a press conference after losing to Sinner 1-6, 2-6, 7-6(6), 3-6. "I didn't do much in the first two sets. It was probably one of my worst Grand Slam matches."

Djokovic waves to the Melbourne crowd after losing to Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals on January 26. Photo: ATP — Djokovic waves to the Melbourne crowd after losing to Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals on January 26. Photo: *ATP*

Djokovic said he was out of form, but also admitted that Sinner played better in every aspect. The Italian held his serve so well that Nole did not have a single break point in this match, something that has never happened to the Serbian at a Grand Slam. Sinner also made only 28 unforced errors, much less than his senior's 54.

We have to go back to the 2005 Australian Open to find Djokovic's worst start in a Grand Slam match. At the age of 17, Nole had to play in the qualifying round and lost miserably to Marat Safin 0-6, 2-6, 1-6 on the first day of the main draw.

"I can't explain it," Djokovic said of his poor performance against Sinner. "I didn't feel like I was in good form at the start of the tournament. Except for the match against Mannarino, I couldn't find the form I usually play in Australia. Reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam is a great result for any player, but I always have the highest expectations of myself."

Djokovic insisted the numbers spoke volumes and proved Sinner won convincingly. "Sinner served well, returned well. I wasn't happy with the way I moved, the forehand, the backhand, everything. Sinner dominated completely, especially the service games," he said.

Sinner has won 19 of his 20 matches since October 2023, losing only once in the ATP Finals to Djokovic. The Italian will move up to third in the world if he wins this weekend. Djokovic credits his coaching career with Darren Cahill, who has coached world number ones Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Simona Halep, for helping Sinner improve his game.

"Sinner is much calmer than before. Before he could get into trouble at important moments in big matches," Djokovic added.

The loss to Sinner ended Djokovic's 33-match unbeaten run in Melbourne over the past six years. He lost in the semi-finals or final of the Australian Open for the first time in 21 matches. He missed the chance to extend his Grand Slam record to 25, but Djokovic is still certain to retain the world number one ranking after the tournament.

Vy Anh

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