Novak Djokovic was defeated 3:1 by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Australian Open.
Djokovic had played ten finals in Australia, winning all of them. This season, in his 11th final, Carlos Alcaraz celebrated victory, becoming the youngest player in history to complete a career slam.
Although it seemed that it might be impossible, Novak Djokovic lost the final of the Australian Open for the first time.
The Serbian made his first appearance back in 2005, since that moment he has played for 22 years in a row, excluding the year he was deported from Australia.
He played in ten finals, winning all ten, until this season. Now he laid down his arms before his successor, the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak's press conference caused a lot of reactions. Reporters wondered if the Serbian tennis player would return to the Australian Open next year.
Novak Djokovic previously stated that he has a desire to play until the 2028 Olympic Games.
In an interview with the media, the Serbian tennis player pointed out that it is difficult to give precise forecasts of how long he will play, given that he is currently focused on the next challenges, but that he spends time with his family.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys." Djokovic said.
“That’s why I left it open. I really don’t know. You’ve followed me for a long time and I don’t pretend or fake things. I told you for the last year or year and a half that I’m not sure how much and what is next.
I said I’d like to play until the 2028 Olympics, but that might mean playing one tournament a year, maybe ten, fifteen, two, or seven—I honestly don’t know.
I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule and future so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family and then I’ll see what’s next."
Djokovic thanked the crowd
The 38-year-old thanked the crowd for the huge support from the first to the last day, but especially in the last two matches.
Novak Djokovic is grateful for this kind of support, believing that he deserved it.
According to him, he would like to return to Australia, but he is not sure if it will happen as an active player.
