Novak Djokovic has delivered a fiery response to what he described as a 'disrespectful question' from a journalist following his dramatic progression to the Australian Open semi-finals, with former tennis champion Andy Roddick branding the query 'sh**ty'. The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to his 13th Australian Open semi-final after fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt while leading two sets to love during Wednesday's quarter-final clash.
Djokovic's Controversial Path to the Semi-Finals
The Serbian tennis icon has experienced what many fans are calling a 'divine intervention' during this year's tournament, having played just 11 sets to reach the last four. Djokovic benefited from his fourth-round opponent withdrawing with an abdominal issue before Musetti's unfortunate retirement during their quarter-final match. Despite these favourable circumstances, the 10-time Australian Open champion found himself embroiled in controversy during the post-match press conference.
The Question That Sparked Outrage
Djokovic bristled at a reporter's suggestion that he is now 'chasing' younger rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for titles, just as he once chased Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 'I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between the times when I started chasing, as you say, Rafa and Roger', Djokovic stated firmly. 'There's probably about a 15-year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams. So I think it's important to put that in perspective. I don't feel like I'm chasing, to be honest.'
The tennis superstar emphasised that journalists were overlooking his immense achievements during what he considers his dominant period in the sport. Djokovic's passionate defence of his legacy has since received significant support from his former rival turned media commentator, Andy Roddick.
Roddick's Blunt Assessment
Speaking on his podcast, the former US Open champion didn't mince words when addressing the journalist's question. 'That's just a sh**ty question', Roddick declared. 'I don't think Novak would argue with, oh, I'm chasing these two [Sinner and Alcaraz] right now. But I think his point was OK, so if I'm chasing these guys [Federer and Nadal], and [now] I'm chasing them [Alcaraz and Sinner], did you skip over the decade where I was the only guy being chased?'
Musetti's Heartbreaking Exit
While Djokovic was addressing media controversy, his quarter-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti spoke publicly about his devastating injury heartbreak. The Italian had outclassed the Serbian legend in the opening two sets and appeared well on course for the biggest victory of his career before being forced to retire. Reports suggest Musetti suffered either a torn hip adductor or hip flexor during the match.
'I have no words to describe how I'm feeling right now and how tough this injury is for me', Musetti told journalists emotionally. 'Honestly, I never imagined the feeling of leading two sets to zero to Novak and playing like that and having to leave the match like that.'
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
Djokovic now prepares to face two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday for a place in the Australian Open final. This sets up a rematch of their 2024 encounter, promising another thrilling chapter in what has become a compelling rivalry. Despite the controversy surrounding his path to the semi-finals and his media interactions, Djokovic remains focused on adding another Grand Slam title to his already historic collection.
