‘Novak Djokovic is not a machine, we cannot always expect him to win every Grand Slam’
Novak Djokovic has been backed to bounce back following his Australian Open defeat although Serbia’s Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki admits the “younger players are getting better and better”.
Before his defeat to Sinner in the semi-final at Melbourne Park, Djokovic had not lost before the final of a Grand Slam since the 2022 French Open as he was 34-1 at the big four tournaments with his only loss against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon last year.
However, Sinner dominated their last-four encounter on Rod Laver Arena as the Italian didn’t face a single break point, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.
The 22-year-old also defeated the tennis great at last year’s ATP Finals and the Davis Cup and former world No 12 Troicki believes Sinner as well as the likes of Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev are playing with a lot more freedom against the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
Asked by Sportal if the defeat during the Davis Cup in Malaga affected Djokovic’s composure in Melbourne, he replied: “I don’t believe it’s that much for him… Sinner was freer in that match in Australia because he won it the last time in Malaga and he pulled off that duel incredibly.
“I should say, he was more relieved. But Nole was not, let’s say, convincing from the beginning of the tournament, somehow we haven’t seen his sharpness since the start of the competition.
“I think he can do much better than that and he himself is aware of it. Of course, he is a man and not a machine, we cannot always expect him to win every Grand Slam.
“Young players are getting better and better, they are freer, they are progressing: Sinner, Alcaraz, Medvedev, the same constant. It is not easy to maintain that continuity, and always in top form. That’s obvious. Unfortunately, he lost this time, but we all know he doesn’t give up and I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
Troicki will take charge of Serbia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Slovakia and Kraljevo, but Djokovic won’t be part of the squad with the world No 1 confirming he is set for an extended break after his Australian Open defeat.
It was initially thought that Djokovic would play at the Dubai Tennis Championships following his run to the semi-final last year, but his name is not on the official entry list for the 2024 ATP 500 event although he can still make an appearance by accepting a wildcard.
