Novak Djokovic just fell agonisingly short of an 11th Australian Open title, losing in the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz came from behind to beat Djokovic in their final in Melbourne, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 after three hours and two minutes.
Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena hosted the Australian Open clash between the two ATP icons, with the champion Alcaraz completing the career Grand Slam.
Djokovic has already achieved that feat, but he did fail to clinch a 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, which would represent an all-time record.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
Steve Johnson predicts Novak Djokovic to return to the Australian Open
Still, the 38-year-old Serbian more than stepped up at the Australian Open, surprising many on his memorable run to the final.
His future at the Grand Slam has now been discussed by former player Steve Johnson, who was asked on Tennis Channel if Djokovic will be seen at the tournament again.
He responded: “I think we’ll see him again. And look, for Novak, nobody knows when the end is, except for him.
“He’s talked about maybe playing the Olympics coming up, all these things in a few years. As long as he wants to play, let’s let him play. Get him whatever he needs to get out there and play, two tournaments here, you name it.
“But I think he’s just going out enjoying his last few years on tour, whatever it may be. But I think we will see him in Australia next year.”
Why Novak Djokovic may be eager to play at the Australian Open again
Fans should be desperate to see Djokovic return to the Australian Open, particularly after what happened this year.
He enjoyed a simply phenomenal tournament, knocking out none other than two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner en route to the final.
With that in mind, Djokovic should also be really eager to return, having just strongly suggested once more that the Australian Open represents his best chance of Grand Slam success.
Do you believe Carlos Alcaraz is already the greatest tennis player of all time?
Along with this year’s hugely impressive run, his 10 titles in Melbourne represent his highest figure at a single major.
He wasn’t short of luck this time around, but he also proved he can deal with the tricky conditions and even beat one of the best hard-court players in the world in Sinner.
And while he will be one year older next time out, the Australian Open arrives at the start of the season, meaning he should once again be fresh for another lengthy stay in Melbourne.
