A physical issue limited Novak Djokovic during the second and third sets of his Australian Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic was at pains to not make excuses for the defeat, but alluded to a medical problem during the second and third sets, believed to be a stomach complaint.
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“I remain disappointed with the way I felt in second and third after an incredible start, and I felt great about myself and then, yeah, things changed,” he said.
“It is what it is. That’s sport, but of course, when you draw a line and you make, you know, assessment of what happened last couple of weeks, it’s incredible achievement for me to be able to play finals, be couple of sets away maybe to win a championship.
“Of course, after a loss, it’s a bitter feeling, but nevertheless, I have to be, yeah, content with this result.”
Asked what changed, Djokovic explained: “I mean, look, I never like to talk about things that, you know, I go through physically or health-wise, because it’s going to come across as I’m looking for excuses and taking away the credit of the winner, so it’s not going to change this time.
“I’m just going to congratulate Carlos. He was the deserved winner on the court today.
“No, I’m not going to share.
“Game-wise, you saw it. I mean, for the first set was one of the best sets I’ve played the last couple years. Then, you know, I kind of regained my energy back and momentum in mid-fourth.”
Djokovic appeared to receive medication from the doctor between the third and fourth sets.
He described being able to “recuperate and kind of feel re-energised” a few games after that.
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On the other side of the net, Alcaraz recognised Djokovic dropping off in the second set.
“He surprised me a little bit at the start of the match … all of a sudden, nothing worked at all,” Alcaraz said on Nine.
“At the beginning of the second set, he made a few easy mistakes, and it was more comfortable or calmer to play against him.”
Djokovic said on court he did not expect to be back in a trophy ceremony after a grand slam final, but also said in his press conference he still has “belief” he can win a slam.
Asked about these contrasting views, he explained: “I have belief, and I have always, you know, confidence and vision to win a slam, another slam anywhere, to win anywhere where I play, but I did not expect it. That’s different.
“Expectations, I lowered my expectations last couple of years, which also, I think, allows me to be able to, you know, let go of some of that unnecessary additional stress. You know, it’s always tension and stress and pressure, and I just don’t want to be overwhelmed by it.
“It also feels good a little bit not being always the main favourite to win slams. I think that kind of gives you a little bit of that extra motivation, I guess, when it comes down to the last rounds of the slam.
“Yeah, I mean, look, I managed to beat Jannik, who is double defending champion here and won the last whatever, four, five matches against me, in five sets, very proud of that. Incredible match, incredible achievement.
“But, you know, you’re speaking to me ten minutes after I lost the final, so of course I’m going to be a little bit bitter about losing. But, again, I lost to a No. 1 in the world and already a legendary player.”