Novak Djokovic stuns reigning two-time champion Jannik Sinner to arrange Australian Open ultimate towards Carlos Alcaraz.
Revealed On 30 Jan 2026
Novak Djokovic channelled his halcyon days in a five-set basic to dethrone Jannik Sinner and change into the oldest man to succeed in the Australian Open ultimate within the skilled period at a rocking Rod Laver Enviornment.
4 months earlier than his thirty ninth birthday, Djokovic confirmed he stays unbeatable on his day as he despatched the double defending champion packing with a 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 win in a 1:32am end early on Saturday in Melbourne (14:32 GMT on Friday).
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“It feels surreal to be sincere, taking part in over 4 hours,” Djokovic mentioned on court docket.
“I used to be reminiscing in 2012 after I performed Rafa [Nadal] within the ultimate, that was six hours virtually.
“The extent of depth and high quality was excessive [against Sinner], and that was the one technique to have an opportunity to win.
“He received the final 5 matches towards me, he had my cell quantity, so I needed to change my quantity tonight.
“Jokes apart I mentioned on the web: ‘Thanks for permitting me not less than one’. Large respect, an unimaginable participant. He pushed me to the restrict, so he deserves applause for his efficiency.”
Djokovic will meet world primary Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, the Spaniard having fought off Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semifinal.
Eighteen years after his first Melbourne crown, Djokovic will attempt for a record-extending eleventh towards Alcaraz and the unprecedented twenty fifth Grand Slam title that has eluded him.
Djokovic wanted unimaginable fortune to succeed in the semifinals, along with his quarterfinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retiring injured after taking the primary two units.
The Serb loved a walkover within the fourth spherical as effectively, when Jakub Mensik pulled out.
However it was laborious work and psychological toughness that bought Djokovic over the road towards Sinner, a participant who had overwhelmed him in their earlier 5 matches.
Victory got here grudgingly.
He needed to save a slew of break factors within the decisive set earlier than lastly getting a take a look at Sinner’s serve at 3-3.
Flooring the Italian in three punishing rallies, the Serb broke him to guide 4-3, raised one fist and threw an icy stare at his participant’s field.
Djokovic needed to save one other three break factors within the subsequent service sport, however despatched Serbian followers into delirium when he survived all of them and held with an ace.
Serving for the match at 5-4, Djokovic summoned the grit and champion spirit of 20 years on the high, organising two match factors with a forehand winner down the road.
Sinner saved each, however lastly fired a backhand large to concede, leaving Djokovic to throw away his racket, get down on his knees and cross his chest.
