Novak Djokovic bristled at suggestions he is now pursuing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Grand Slam tournaments, labelling the characterisation "a little bit disrespectful" during a tense post-match press conference at the Australian Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion took exception when a journalist compared his current standing to the early phase of his career, when he trailed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
"I'm chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense? So I'm always the chaser and I'm never being chased?" the Serb demanded.
He emphasised that the question overlooked roughly 15 years during which he dominated the sport's biggest events.
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"I don't feel like I'm chasing, to be honest," the 38-year-old stated, insisting he is "creating my own history" rather than following others.
The fourth seed progressed to the last four after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to withdraw mid-match due to injury.
Djokovic had found himself two sets down against the Italian, trailing 6-4, 6-3, before his opponent's body gave way with the Serbian leading 3-1 in the third set.
Novak Djokovic bristled at suggestions he is now pursuing Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Grand Slam tournaments, labelling the characterisation "a little bit disrespectful" during a tense post-match press conference at the Australian Open
|REUTERS
The unexpected conclusion secured Djokovic's passage to a seventh successive semi-final at Melbourne Park, extending a remarkable run of consistency at the tournament where he has lifted the trophy on ten occasions.
The 10-time champion had apologised to assembled media for a lengthy delay before his press conference began.
"I apologise for the day, thank you for your patience," he said upon taking his seat.
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAWhile acknowledging that Sinner and Alcaraz currently outperform him and the rest of the field, Djokovic made clear he has no intention of conceding defeat in his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown.
"Are they better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. I mean, the quality and the level is amazing. It's great. It's phenomenal," he admitted.
"But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No.
"I'm going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them."
The Serbian veteran expressed admiration for the emerging rivalry between the young stars, noting such competition benefits tennis as a spectacle.
He welcomed the natural generational shift whilst maintaining his focus remains firmly on reaching championship matches at every major.
Novak Djokovic is chasing a 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this winter | REUTERSDjokovic will next face either defending champion Sinner or American Ben Shelton for a place in the final.
Sinner and Alcaraz have claimed the last eight Major titles between them, while Djokovic has reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams in 2025, positioning himself as the third-best performer at these events.
His recent record at the majors tells a pointed story: since withdrawing injured against Alexander Zverev in last year's Melbourne semi-final, his only defeats at Grand Slam level have come against Sinner and Alcaraz.
Should the two-time defending champion prevail in his quarter-final, Djokovic could have an opportunity for revenge on Friday.