Novak Djokovic admitted that he’ll find it challenging to beat either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz in matches that are the best of five sets.
“I can do only as much as I can do. Yeah, it will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five (sets) in the Grand Slams.
“I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough,” Djokovic said after his 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 semi-final defeat against Alcaraz at the US Open.
‘Difficult prospect’
It does not mean Djokovic is giving up on the possibility of winning another Grand Slam, but he did acknowledge that it will be a difficult prospect.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard, having said that.
“I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least.
“But, you know, it’s going to be a very difficult task.”
Djokovic revealed that he is loving the positive crowd support he is currently receiving.
“Yeah, I still enjoy the thrill of competition. Today I received amazing support again on the court from the crowd. Very thankful for that.
“I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Yeah, that’s one of the biggest reasons why I keep on going.
“The love that I’ve been getting around the world has been amazing the last couple of years.”
‘Beaten by better players’
Djokovic mentioned that he had fun during the match and admitted that he’s being beaten by better players when he loses to either Sinner or Alcaraz.
“I had fun, particularly in the second set, competing with Carlos, had some amazing points. The crowd was into it, and it was quite close.
“But, yeah, he was just a better player in the important moments. It’s never fun losing a tennis match, but at the same time, if I’m to lose to someone, I would lose to these two guys.
“I know that they are just better at the moment. You just have to hand it to them and say, Well done.”
Djokovic is aiming to play all four Grand Slam events in 2026.
“I still want to play Grand Slams, Grand Slam season, full Grand Slam season next year. Let’s see whether that’s going to happen or not, but you know, because slams are slams.
“They are just different from any other tournament. They are the pillars of our sport, the most important tournaments we have.”
Djokovic still fancies his chances of beating the young guns in three-set matches.
“But, yeah, I do fancy my chances a bit more in best-of-three, I guess, one-week tournaments or the Masters tournaments where you have almost two weeks with quite a few days between matches.
“So, you know, that could serve me better in the matchups against them.”
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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