Novak Djokovic says the uncommon Australian Open defeat inflicted by semi-final opponent Jannik Sinner was “one of many worst” Grand Slam shows of his illustrious profession.
Serbia’s Djokovic misplaced in Melbourne for the primary time since 2018 as Sinner ended his 33-match successful streak.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was aiming to maneuver away from Margaret Court docket by way of all-time main triumphs.
“It isn’t a really nice feeling taking part in this fashion,” mentioned Djokovic, 36.
“However on the identical time, credit score to [Sinner] for doing every part higher than me in each facet of the sport.”
Djokovic, who will stay as the boys’s world primary despite the four-set defeat, gained three of the 4 main tournaments final 12 months in top-of-the-line seasons of his profession.
However he hardly ever performed anyplace close to the identical degree at Melbourne Park over the previous fortnight and appeared fully out-of-sorts in opposition to Italian fourth seed Sinner.
Djokovic made 54 unforced errors, compared to 32 winners, and was unable to create a single break level.
“I need to congratulate Sinner for enjoying an ideal match and an ideal event up to now. He is deservedly within the remaining. He outplayed me fully,” mentioned Djokovic.
“I used to be shocked with my degree – in a foul approach. There was not a lot I used to be doing proper within the first two units.
“I assume this is likely one of the worst Grand Slam matches I’ve ever performed.”