Jannik Sinner expressed disappointment after losing a thrilling five-set semi-final to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open on Friday night. The Italian, who was aiming for a third consecutive title, held a two-sets-to-one lead but couldn't convert key break points. Sinner praised Djokovic's performance while reflecting on the match's intensity.
Jannik Sinner's quest for a third straight Australian Open title ended in heartbreak on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The 24-year-old Italian, seeded second and a four-time major winner, fell to 38-year-old Novak Djokovic in a gripping five-set semi-final. Sinner had taken a two-sets-to-one advantage but ultimately couldn't close out the match, marking his first loss at the tournament since a 2023 fourth-round defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The defeat was particularly painful given Sinner's dominance in their head-to-head record—he had beaten Djokovic in their previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings. However, on this occasion, Sinner converted just two of 18 break points, including eight in the decisive fifth set, all of which Djokovic saved with strong serving and clutch play.
'It hurts, for sure,' Sinner said post-match. 'It was a very important Slam for me... I had many chances. Couldn't use them and that's the outcome.' He acknowledged the match's high quality, describing it as a 'roller coaster' and noting the great level from both players, especially in the first set.
Sinner was not surprised by Djokovic's resilience, calling the 24-time major champion 'the greatest player for many, many years.' 'He's won 24 Grand Slams. We know each other very well,' Sinner added. 'He played great tennis. Hopefully I can take it as kind of a lesson maybe to see what I can improve on.'
This loss means Sinner will miss his first major final since Wimbledon 2024, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Djokovic. Djokovic advances to face Alcaraz in Sunday's final, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. Sinner remains at No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the same position he held entering the event.
