Novak Djokovic has once again found himself at the center of controversy following his recent claim that he would have beaten Jannik Sinner and gone on to win the 2024 Australian Open if not for his injury. The statement, made in a recent interview, has sparked a fiery debate among tennis fans, with some supporting the Serb’s perspective while others argue that Sinner’s dominance in their semifinal clash was undeniable.

Djokovic’s Take: Injury Cost Him the Title?

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, suffered a shocking defeat in the semifinals at the hands of Jannik Sinner, who dismantled him in four sets (6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3). The loss ended Djokovic’s historic 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, where he had been nearly unbeatable over the past decade.

Following the defeat, Djokovic hinted that physical issues played a crucial role in his subpar performance, suggesting that a fully fit version of himself could have taken down Sinner and eventually lifted his 11th Australian Open trophy.

“I wasn’t at my best physically, and it obviously affected my performance. I believe that if I had been fully fit, things would have turned out differently,” Djokovic reportedly stated.

Fans React: Sinner Deserved the Win

Despite Djokovic’s comments, many fans and analysts have dismissed the idea that his injury was the deciding factor. Instead, they point to Sinner’s incredible form throughout the tournament as the real reason for the result.

Sinner not only defeated Djokovic convincingly but also went on to win his first Grand Slam title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. His aggressive baseline play, impeccable shot-making, and improved mental toughness proved too much for Djokovic, who looked out of sorts from the start of the match.

One fan on social media wrote:
“Even a 100% Djokovic wouldn’t have been able to stop Sinner that day. The guy was on fire!”

Another added:
“Let’s be honest—Sinner outplayed him. It wasn’t just about an injury. It was a passing-of-the-torch moment!”

Sinner’s Reaction: Staying Humble Amid the Debate

For his part, Jannik Sinner has remained humble and respectful, avoiding any direct response to Djokovic’s comments. The Italian has often spoken about focusing on his own game rather than outside opinions, and his performances in Melbourne spoke louder than words.

When asked about his victory over Djokovic, Sinner simply said:
“Novak is an incredible champion, and I have the utmost respect for him. I just tried to play my best tennis and stay focused on every point.”

What’s Next? A Potential Rematch?

With the clay and grass seasons approaching, tennis fans are already looking forward to a potential rematch between Sinner and Djokovic, possibly at Roland Garros or Wimbledon. Will Djokovic get his revenge, or has Sinner truly closed the gap on the tennis legend?

One thing is certain—the rivalry between these two is just getting started.

Who do you think would have won if Djokovic had been fully fit? Was Sinner’s victory inevitable, or did Djokovic’s injury change the outcome? Let the debate continue!