‘It’s tough at that point to get it off Novak Djokovic’, says former No.1

Novak Djokovic is on the best streak of his career at the Australian Open. Novak defeated Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals to earn his 26th consecutive victory in Melbourne, matching his former coach Andre Agassi. Djokovic will try to become the record holder against Tommy Paul in Friday’s semifinal, not losing a match in Melbourne since 2018, when he failed against Hyeon Chung. Novak has embraced two streaks at the Australian Open with 25 wins after the first between 2011 and 2014. Thus, the Serbian became the third player with two streaks with at least 25 consecutive wins in the same Major. Pete Sampras did it at Wimbledon, losing only one match between 1993 and 2001 and adding 25 and 31 victories in a row in the cathedral of tennis. Rafael Nadal has only lost three matches at Roland Garros since 2005, putting together three streaks of more than 30 wins, a feat no one will ever repeat! As we’ve already said, Novak’s first notable run at the Australian Open came from 2011-2014, becoming the first player with three straight Melbourne titles. Nearly ten years later, Djokovic is capable of another incredible run at the most successful Major of his despite turning 36 in May. Djokovic won the Australian Open in 2019, 2020 and 2021 after beating Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev in title clashes. The Serb had to skip the Australian Open last year after a ten-day visa saga and returned stronger in 2023. Despite a hamstring injury, Djokovic has won five matches at Rod Laver Arena and has gotten into in his tenth semifinal. Novak defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round and suffered a bit against Enzo Couacaud in the second. The Frenchman claimed the second set in the tie break before the Serb shifted into a higher gear and dished out a donut in the fourth set.

McEnroe pays tribute to Djokovic

Tennis legend John McEnroe stated that Novak Djokovic will gain “more respect” gradually over time. “Obviously, we are talking about two of the most supremely talented a class acts the game has ever seen in Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal]. For me, Roger [Federer] is the most beautiful player I’ve very seen play and Rafa’s [Nadal] intensity is so great, but Novak [Djokovic] has done a great job of getting in the mix and possibly surpassing both of them at some point,” McEnroe said. “His style of play is so technically solid that it is sometimes taken for granted. His toughness and mental strength is also so impressive. He is four or five years younger than Roger [Federer] and he already had that mantel when Novak [Djokovic] broke on the scene. It’s tough at that point to get it off him,” he added.