Novak Djokovic calls reporter's question 'disrespectful' after Australian Open quarterfinal win

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Novak Djokovic sparred with a reporter after his Australian Open win that sent him to the semifinals after the journalist's suggestion that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent his career "chasing" his rivals.

Djokovic, 38, defeated fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals Wednesday to set up a semifinal matchup against two-time winner Jannik Sinner. 

Novak Djokovic gestures during a news conference ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Despite owning a record 24 Grand Slam titles, including a record 10 at the Australian Open, Djokovic was asked during his post-match news conference how it felt to be "chasing" Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal early in his career and now "chasing" Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the latter stages.

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"I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense?" he interrupted. "So, I’m always the chaser and never being chased?"

The reporter then conceded, "In the meantime, you won 24 Grand Slams," to which Djokovic responded with a smile, "Thanks, it's worth saying that sometimes. Right?" 

The Serbian tennis star allowed the reporter to finish his question before making his position clear. 

Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in their third-round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

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"Well, I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between the times when I started