Despite Novak Djokovic's run to the Australian Open final, former world number eight Jack Sock has expressed skepticism about his prospects for the remaining Grand Slams of the 2026 season. Sock believes Djokovic's age and the rising tide of younger talent will hinder his ability to secure another major title this year.

"I think the Australian Open is Djokovic's favored Grand Slam, which is why he still had some fight left there", Sock stated on his personal podcast on 8/2. "Melbourne is where Nole is most driven to win and sees his best opportunities. The crowd support for him there is also significant. I do not think he will reach another Grand Slam final this season".

Djokovic returns a shot in the Australian Open 2026 final, on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, on 1/2. Photo: Reuters

Djokovic, who will turn 39 when the next Grand Slam begins in Paris, lost in the Australian Open final on 1/2. He had defeated Jannik Sinner in five sets in the semifinals with a stellar performance and even won the opening set against Carlos Alcaraz in the final. However, Alcaraz came back to win in four sets, preventing Djokovic from securing his 11th title in Melbourne and becoming the first player in two years to defeat both top-ranked players in a Grand Slam event.

"Djokovic is already 39 years old and struggles to maintain high intensity over extended periods", Sock added. "It is hard to imagine him playing well against a younger, fitter opponent at the upcoming Roland Garros. We are quite sure he will have a lighter playing schedule for the 2026 season. But time is Djokovic's biggest enemy right now".

Sock, who retired in 2023 after more than a decade of professional tennis, offered his insights. He won four ATP Tour titles and reached world number 8 in 2017. The American player found greater success in his doubles career, winning three men's doubles Grand Slams and reaching world number two. Sock is currently playing professional pickleball and is ranked 31st on the PPA Tour.

Djokovic's recent Grand Slam performances have shown a pattern of losses to younger rivals. Last season, Nole reached the Roland Garros semifinals but lost in three sets to Sinner. He then lost to the Italian again in the Wimbledon semifinals. At the US Open, Nole lost again in three sets to Alcaraz in the semifinals. He has won the Roland Garros tournament three times and claimed an Olympic gold medal by defeating Alcaraz there in 2024.

Nole's defeat on 1/2 meant he could not extend his Grand Slam record to 25 and ended his unbeaten run in Australian Open finals. This outcome contrasts with Rafael Nadal, the only player in the "Big 3" who has never lost a Grand Slam final, holding a record 14 titles in 14 Roland Garros finals. Roger Federer, the other member of the legendary trio, lost to Nadal in the Wimbledon final, a signature Grand Slam where the Swiss player won eight titles.

Vy Anh