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

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

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

“If he can find the right balance — and no one really knows what that is — he can continue to be a threat.”

As long as Djokovic proves to himself that he has what it takes to push the 22-year-old Alcaraz and 24-year-old Jannik Sinner — the standout talents of the current crop — he will keep moving forward.

The victory over Italian second seed Sinner in the semi-finals in Melbourne on Friday was evidence of his tireless spirit.

But banishing Alcaraz after two days was a bridge too far.

Since he didn’t sleep until 6 a.m. after his win over Sinner, and decided not to practice on Saturday, Djokovic was impressive in the first set against Alcaraz.

However, he was unable to maintain this form, and as Alcaraz improved, he eventually lost in four sets.

“I knew I would probably have to beat a couple of them on my way to the title,” said Djokovic, a record 10-time Melbourne Park men’s champion.

“I won one, which is fantastic, so it’s further than I went in a Grand Slam last year.

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

“I’ll keep pushing and see if I get another chance.”