Novak Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Grand Slam title failed at the 2026 Australian Open, even after a strong run in the latter stages.
His path to the semi-finals was not without luck, benefiting from the withdrawal of Jakub Mensik and the withdrawal of Lorenzo Musetti. But once there, Djokovic produced a remarkable performance against Jannik Sinner to book his place in the final.
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He finished second behind Carlos Alcaraz, who won with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Even in defeat, Djokovic showed that he still had his place at this level. He continues to prove that he can compete for major titles alongside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic’s former coach issues warning to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images
In an interview with L’Equipe, Riccardo Piatti gave his opinion on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning a Grand Slam in 2026, after the Serbian’s defeat in the final of the Australian Open.
Piatti, who has worked with Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, suggested Wimbledon could present the best chance of winning another title.
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“If he (Djokovic) continues (to play), it is because he believes that he can always evolve further,” Piatti said.
“Roland Garros will inevitably be more complicated for him, but we must not forget that if an opportunity presents itself at Wimbledon.
“What I know is that at the end of this Australian Open, Novak is back. He is the most obsessed with his tennis. I just hope he stays healthy and can prepare as best as possible.”
“Then he might get another chance. Jannik and Carlos better be careful.”
The last time Djokovic won Wimbledon was in 2022, when he beat Nick Kyrgios in straight sets.
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A year later, Alcaraz came back to beat him 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 4-6.
If there is one place on the Tour where Djokovic still has an advantage over his younger rivals, it could well be at SW19.
Recap of Novak Djokovic’s first Wimbledon title
Novak Djokovic, second seed at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, cruised through his first four rounds relatively easily; defeating Jeremy Chardy, Kevin Anderson, Marcos Baghdatis and Michael Llodra.
He then finds Bernard Tomic in the quarter-finals and qualifies to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-final. After winning against both players, he had to face Rafael Nadal in the final.
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Nadal was the reigning champion at the time and one of the biggest names in men’s tennis, but Djokovic didn’t hold back. He beat the top seed with a 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 victory.
This gave him a third Grand Slam title at this stage of his career and his first ever triumph at SW19. Before that, he won two titles at the Australian Open; coming in 2008 and 2011.
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