Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic still believes he can win Grand Slams – but how many more will he play?

“Nobody knows what it’s like for a 38-year-old to be able to come out, play at this level and then recover,” BBC Radio 5 Live analyst Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, said.

“Are you supposed to play more matches or do you play fewer? Do you train less or more?

“If he can find that right balance – and really nobody knows what that is – he can continue to be a threat.”

As long as Djokovic proves to himself that he has enough in the tank to push 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Jannik Sinner – the standout talents of the current crop – then he will keep going.

Beating Italian second seed Sinner in the Melbourne semi-finals on Friday was testament to his indefatigable spirit.

Seeing off Alcaraz two days later, however, was a bridge too far.

Having not got to bed until 6am after beating Sinner, and deciding not to practise on Saturday, Djokovic was outstanding in the first set against Alcaraz.

However, he was not able to maintain that level and, with Alcaraz improving, ultimately fell to a four-set defeat.

“I knew that I’d probably have to beat two of them on the way to the title,” said Djokovic, who is a record 10-time men’s champion at Melbourne Park.

“I beat one, which is great, so it’s further than I have gone in Grand Slams last year.

“It’s encouraging but not enough for me. Let’s see.

“I’m going to keep pushing and see if I get another chance.”