Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic unsure if good luck will leave him fresh or undercooked in Jannik Sinner semi-final

Djokovic says he feels pretty good physically, with a blister on his foot the biggest concern.

It’s a marked difference from some of his previous Australian Open campaigns.

Last year, he withdrew from the semi-finals due to a hamstring tear he suffered during a superhuman effort to beat Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round.

In 2023, he won the title despite playing with a three-centimeter tear in his hamstring.

Two years earlier, he also prevailed despite suffering a torn abdominal muscle in the third round.

Djokovic cannot afford any physical problems if he wants to beat Sinner and then 22-year-old Alcaraz in the final on Sunday.

“You always have some little issues with your body, at least for me every day,” Djokovic said.

“But the major issues, no. Fortunately, it’s not a challenge for me or an obstacle for me to be able to play and move the way I want.”

Djokovic feels his injury-free status is a stroke of luck as he bids to become the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.

Given his meticulous pursuit of almost every record in the sport, it would be a mistake to attribute anything to Djokovic luck.

But avoiding a third-round default, then retreating and then retiring is an enviable pattern.

Against Musetti, Djokovic also recovered from falling victim to his own exemplary sportsmanship.

While trying to stay in the second set, Djokovic received a point by admitting to referee James Keothavong that he had touched the ball on its way out. The Italian will continue to claim the game.

“I will double my prayers tonight,” Djokovic said.

There is no doubt that Djokovic needs to get smarter both technically and mentally if he wants to end Sinner and Alcaraz’s recent dominance at major tournaments.

Musetti was brilliant against Djokovic but there was no escaping the fact that the Serb was poor by his lofty standards.

“I think my performance was below the level I showed throughout this tournament,” Djokovic added.

“I have to play better, there’s no doubt about that.

“I know that if I feel good and my body is together and I’m playing well, I always have a chance.”