Novak Djokovic admits ‘bitter’ feeling after | Sports News

Novak Djokovic confessed he felt “bitter” following his first-ever defeat in an Australian Open last.

The Serbian had been unbeaten in 10 earlier championship matches at Melbourne Park and began strongly in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of a file twenty fifth Grand Slam crown. But Djokovic’s efficiency faltered, permitting the world No. 1 to secure a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 win and turn out to be the youngest participant to realize the profession Grand Slam.

Though Djokovic will mirror on squandered probabilities, together with a essential break level alternative at 4-4 within the fourth set, the 38-year-old acknowledges the event has been largely profitable. He’s now desperate to return home to his spouse and two youngsters.

The fourth seed heaped reward on Alcaraz during his runner-up handle and elaborated additional in his post-match media session. “He makes you play your best tennis in order to beat him, so you know, it’s what I’ve done for, like, set and a half, but then, yeah, things changed, and he deserved to win,” Djokovic mentioned.

He let slip what could have been his prime probability to seize a twenty fifth main title. He entered the semifinals well-rested following a walkover in spherical 4 and a mid-match withdrawal within the quarters.

This positioned him to beat 2024 and 2025 champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set battle. Yet his stamina waned in opposition to Alcaraz, and he could not mount a comeback.

Djokovic went on: “I always believe I can. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing, and I said this numerous times. It’s great that I was able to beat Jannik in five and really battle Carlos in four close sets. Yeah, I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start, and I felt great about myself and then, yeah, things changed. It is what it is.

“That’s sport, however of course, whenever you draw a line and also you make, you realize, evaluation of what occurred final couple of weeks, it is unimaginable achievement for me to have the ability to play finals, be couple of units away perhaps to win a championship. Of course, after a loss, it is a bitter feeling, however nonetheless, I’ve to be, yeah, content material with this outcome.”

The 10-time Australian Open champion also hinted at some physical struggles during the match and briefly consulted with the trainer before the fourth set. “I by no means like to speak about issues that, you realize, I am going by bodily or health-wise, as a result of it may come throughout as I’m on the lookout for excuses and taking away the credit of the winner, so it is not going to change this time,” Djokovic later explained.

“I’m simply going to congratulate Carlos. He was the deserved winner on the courtroom at present. Game-wise, you noticed it. I imply, for the primary set was one of the best units I’ve performed the final couple years. Then, you realize, I form of regained my vitality back and momentum in mid-fourth. Asked the gang to get entangled. They did.

“Yeah, just a bad miss at 4-4 and break point, and that forehand, I had a good look at that forehand. Yeah, my forehand broke down in important moments. Yeah, that’s what happens. I mean, one or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around, which happened.

“Yeah, I’m simply very dissatisfied I wasn’t capable of keep that sort of feeling that I had within the first set. You know, a lot of what-if situations in my head, and yeah, I assume it’s what it’s. You have to simply settle for it as it’s.”