Holding 24 Grand Slam titles yet still called a "chaser"? Djokovic brilliantly shut down the reporter at the press conference, showing great composure!

Although he boasts 10 Australian Open titles, Djokovic’s experience there is anything but friendly; at times, it can be characterized as "challenging and discriminatory."

In the quarterfinal match yesterday, Musetti retired injured while ahead by two sets, giving Djokovic, who was nearly knocked out, an unexpected gift of a walkover and marking his 13th trip to the Australian Open semifinals.

At the post-match press conference, a reporter asked Djokovic, “Early in your career, you were chasing Roger and Rafa’s Grand Slam titles... but now, in the later stages of your career, you are chasing Yannick and Carlos...”

Djokovic couldn’t help but interject, “Am I chasing Yannick and Carlos? In what sense exactly?”

The reporter added, “In terms of the number of Grand Slam titles won currently...”

Djokovic replied, “So I’m always the chaser, and never the one being chased?”

The reporter quickly corrected himself, “No, meanwhile you have already won 24 Grand Slam titles.”

Djokovic responded, “Thank you, sometimes it’s okay to say something nice, right?”

Honestly, the exchange above resembled a diplomatic sparring. It’s unclear whether the reporter lacked skill or intentionally showed bias or disrespect. Using a common diplomatic phrase, Djokovic could have directly retorted, “Are you asking that question with ill intent?”

However, Djokovic is used to this and has developed a calm demeanor when faced with such questions. “I feel you are somewhat disrespectful, as if you’re overlooking what happened in between — like when you said I was chasing Rafa and Roger... and now chasing Carlos and Yannick. There’s roughly a 15-year period where I dominated the Grand Slams. I think it’s important to see that clearly. Honestly, I don’t see myself as chasing. Roger and Rafa will always be my biggest rivals.”

Djokovic first shifted the reporter’s perspective, pointing out that the journalist ignored a crucial fact — that over a longer period, Djokovic has been the dominant Grand Slam player, the one being chased rather than the chaser as the reporter implied. At the same time, Djokovic paid respect to Federer and Nadal instead of disparaging either, unlike the reporter’s approach.

Then Djokovic smoothly changed the subject to address what the reporter really wanted to discuss.

“I have great respect for Yannick and Carlos’s current achievements, and I believe they will maintain this level for the next 10, 15, or 20 years. This is a natural cycle in sports. In the future, new superstars will emerge — maybe even a third player I will support, since I was always third in line initially. This is good for our sport. I believe this competition, along with the contrasting personalities and playing styles, benefits the development of tennis.”

As a veteran with over 20 years on the tennis circuit, Djokovic has won almost every honor and broken or set nearly all records. At this stage, his understanding of tennis is beyond what most can reach. Before the younger generation, Djokovic appears as a calm and wise elder. When responding to this reporter, Djokovic was composed and demonstrated great intelligence, fully expressing his views while ultimately returning to the reporter’s so-called “chasing” topic.

“This is very positive for tennis. What does it mean for me? I feel I’m not chasing anything; I’m creating my own history.”

I imagine if there were cracks in the press room floor, this reporter would be too ashamed to show his face.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Yun Juan Yun Shu)