Novak Djokovic Fires Back at Retirement Claims After Australian Open Victory Over Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic has dismissed suggestions that he should retire, insisting that his victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open proved he can still compete at the highest level.
Despite winning Olympic gold in Paris last year, Djokovic failed to secure a title on the ATP Tour, leading some to question whether he could still challenge Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
However, the 37-year-old Serbian legend silenced his doubters at the 2025 Australian Open, where he defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals after coming back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Unfortunately, Djokovic was unable to continue his momentum in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev, as a muscle tear forced him to retire after losing the opening set.
While the world No. 7 didn’t lift the trophy in Melbourne, he firmly believes that had he stayed healthy, he would have had a strong shot at winning his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic: “If I Didn’t Believe, I Wouldn’t Be Here”
Speaking to Vijesti.me, Djokovic made it clear that he is still hungry for success and determined to capture his 100th career title.
“I hope that my 100th trophy comes in Doha—I’ve been chasing it for a long time, since October last year. But it will come when it’s meant to,” Djokovic said.
“As for the Grand Slams, they are an even greater challenge. But I believe I can still win them. If I didn’t believe I could compete at the highest level against the best players in the world, I wouldn’t still be here.”
The record 24-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that his win over Alcaraz in Melbourne was proof that he remains a title contender.
“I think I proved by winning against Alcaraz at the Australian Open that I can still compete for the biggest trophies.”
Chasing History in Doha
Djokovic’s immediate focus is now on the ATP 500 tournament in Doha next week, where he has the chance to reach an extraordinary milestone—100 career ATP titles.
With a renewed sense of determination and the confidence to continue competing at the highest level, Djokovic is ready to silence his critics once again.
