Novak Djokovic overcame Jannik Sinner in a grueling five-set semifinal at the Australian Open, snapping a five-match losing streak to the Italian and advancing to his 11th final in Melbourne. The 38-year-old Serbian saved 16 of 18 break points in a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory that lasted over four hours. He will face Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday for a record-extending 11th title.
In a match that extended into the early hours of Saturday morning, Novak Djokovic produced a vintage performance to dethrone two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. The semifinal on Rod Laver Arena began after 9:20 p.m. local time, following Alcaraz's marathon win over Alexander Zverev. Sinner, the world No. 2, took the first set 6-3 with composed baseline play, striking 15 winners to Djokovic's eight and winning 90% of his first-serve points in the third set later on.
Djokovic, trailing two sets to one after dropping the third 6-4, rallied in the fourth, breaking early to lead 3-1 and holding firm despite pressure. He upped the pace on his forehand, exceeding 140 km/h, and saved crucial break points at 4-3. The decider was a tense affair, with Sinner generating eight break opportunities, including three from 0-40 at 4-3, but Djokovic saved them all. He broke in the seventh game and converted his third match point after failing the first two, collapsing to his knees in celebration at 1:30 a.m.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion endured a medical scare in the third set, vomiting into a towel and taking what he called 'doctor’s miracle pills' for a stomach issue, which he later said restored his energy. 'Whether it was a stomach bug—I don’t know what it is, but just struggled with that,' Djokovic said. He credited the crowd's support, calling it one of the best atmospheres in Australia.
'I never stopped believing in myself,' Djokovic told reporters. 'There’s a lot of people that doubt me... I want to thank them all, because they gave me strength.' He joked about Sinner having his 'mobile number,' adding, 'Thanks for allowing me at least one in the last couple of years. I have tremendous respect for him.' Sinner, who hit 26 aces, admitted, 'I had my chances... He came up with some great shots.'
This marks Djokovic's first major final since Wimbledon 2024 and his first five-setter since Roland Garros that year. At 38, he becomes the oldest men's finalist in Open Era history at Melbourne. Facing Alcaraz, whom he leads 5-4 head-to-head, Djokovic eyes his 25th Slam. 'History is on the line for both of us,' he said.
