Novak Djokovic reveals he was “surprised” by seeing some think of his Australian Open semifinal result as “a success” as the Serb underlines that he went to Melbourne targeting a title.

After not winning a Grand Slam last year, the 37-year-old won his opening five matches at Melbourne Park, including a big quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz.

Unfortunately for Djokovic, his Australian Open came to an end in a heartbreaking way after a muscle injury forced him to retire after only set played in the semifinal against Alexander Zverev.

However, although the record 24-time Slam winner didn’t win it all in Melbourne, his campaign was widely praised.

While the Serb doesn’t disagree that it was a good run, he highlights that winning has always been his only goal.

Djokovic: It is not what I was looking for

“I was a little surprised by how many people saw my Australian Open semifinal as a success – maybe it sounds a bit stupid to say, but to me when someone says semifinal, considering what I have achieved in my career, although it is certainly a success, it is not what I was looking for and what I would be satisfied with,” the record 10-time Australian Open champion told Vijesti.me.

Over the years, Djokovic never hid that he wants to be the best and own the biggest records in tennis

“I always give myself big chances, I can’t be immodest. I’m an optimist when anyone is across the net and that’s something that has always adorned my career and brought me to sporting heights,” the 37-year-old noted.

In the same interview, the current world No. 7 also said that after beating Alcaraz in the quarterfinal, he felt extremely well about his game and his chances against Zverev in the semifinal and then possibly Jannik Sinner in the final.

But sadly for Djokovic, an unfortunate injury ruined his bid for a 25th Grand Slam win in Melbourne.