Novak Djokovic experienced a 2-6 6-2, 6-3 7-5 defeat in the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.
While walking away with the runner-up trophy, the veteran earned many notable achievements in Melbourne.
Among others, Novak returned in the top-3 for the first time since September 2024, becoming the closest rival of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. At 38 years and eight months, Djokovic wrote history books and redefined what longevity looks like at the top.Â
Despite playing a reduced schedule and battling much younger opponents, the Serb became the second-oldest top-3 player after Ken Rosewall in 1975, leaving his great rival Roger Federer behind.
The Belgrade native reached his 11th Australian Open final and earned ATP points. On the other hand, last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev fell in the semi-final after a thriller, losing points and allowing the 24-time Major winner to pass him.
Thus, Djokovic will add more top-3 weeks to his already record-extending run in that area, having past Federer in 2024. The latest stat speaks volumes about Novak’s durability and adaptability.
While many of his peers have faded or, more often, retired, the Serb has carefully managed his calendar. As always, Djokovic targets the biggest stages and still delivers his A-game when it matters the most.
Over the previous 12 months, the Belgrade native has played in one Major final and three semi-finals, alongside a Masters 1000 title clash in Miami and the semi-final in Shanghai.
Those runs, alongside two ATP 250 titles, have made him the third-strongest link in men’s tennis, a couple of months before turning 39. Novak has proved his ability to remain competitive against the top-tier players.