The more often you saw him play at Melbourne Park in these two weeks, the clearer it became: This is where a legend of the sport is once again in great form. Djokovic literally played himself into a frenzy, overcoming his elderly body in a kind of metaphysical hubris. The highlight was undoubtedly the memorable semi-final against Jannik Sinner, which he won with a tremendous show of strength and with the strategic cunning of the old master against the merciless ball distribution machine from Italy. It was one of the best games of his career, as he later said.
In the final, the slim Serb’s shamanic tricks were no longer enough against the 22-year-old muscleman Alcaraz. When Djokovic left Center Court at the end, he still showed himself to be a fair loser. He kept his disappointment hidden. Instead, he praised his opponent effusively and appeared to joke. “You’re still so young, you still have so much time,” he said to Alcaraz. “Just like me. I’m sure we’ll see each other on the pitch more often,” said the 38-year-old – “in the next ten years.”
He then sincerely thanked the Australian audience – who in turn repaid the Serbian with a warm ovation. For a moment it seemed as if there could still be a real love affair between him and the tournament in Australia. One can only hope that he comes back next year to once again fight against the overwhelming youth and win the magical 25th Grand Slam title. He would then be the sole record holder. Alone, he will then be 39 years old.
He had already puzzled the listeners during the interview on the court. Djokovic said he doesn’t know what will happen tomorrow, and certainly not what will happen in 6 or 12 months. It is clear that he wants to play a few more tournaments this year. But what comes next? He was later asked by a concerned Serbian journalist whether it might have been his last appearance in Melbourne. “I’ll definitely be back next year,” Djokovic replied. Then he added: “Whether as a player, we’ll see.”
