Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title fell short at the 2026 Australian Open, even after a strong run through the later stages.

His path to the semi-finals wasn’t without some good fortune, benefiting from Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal and Lorenzo Musetti’s retirement. But once there, Djokovic delivered a standout performance against Jannik Sinner to book his place in the final.

He finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz, who claimed victory with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline.

Even in defeat, Djokovic showed he still belongs at this level. He continues to prove that he can compete for major titles alongside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic’s former coach issues warning to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, Riccardo Piatti gave his view on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning a Grand Slam in 2026, after the Serb’s defeat in the Australian Open final.

Piatti, who has worked with both Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, suggested that Wimbledon might present the best chance for another title.

“If he [Djokovic] continues [to play], it is because he believes that he can always evolve more,” Piatti said.

“Roland Garros will necessarily be more complicated for him, but we must not forget it if an opportunity presents itself at Wimbledon.

“What I know is that at the end of this Australian Open, Novak is back. He is the most obsessed with his tennis. I just hope he stays healthy and can prepare as well as possible.”

“Then he might have another chance. Jannik and Carlos would do well to be careful.”

The last time Djokovic won Wimbledon was in 2022 when he defeated Nick Kyrgios in straight sets.

A year later, Alcaraz came from behind to beat him 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 4-6.

If there is anywhere left on the Tour where Djokovic still has an edge over his younger rivals, it may well be at SW19.

Recapping Novak Djokovic’s first Wimbledon title

Novak Djokovic, the second seed at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, got through his first four rounds relatively easily; defeating Jeremy Chardy, Kevin Anderson, Marcos Baghdatis and Michael Llodra.

He then met Bernard Tomic in the quarter-finals and went through to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-final. Having come out on top against both players, he was set to face Rafael Nadal in the final.

Nadal was defending champion at this point and one of the biggest names in men’s tennis, but Djokovic didn’t shy away from it. He took down the top-seed with a 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 victory.

This gave him a third Grand Slam title at this stage of his career and his first ever triumph at SW19. Before this point he had claimed two Australian Open titles; coming in both 2008 and 2011.

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