Novak Djokovic rolled back the years to defeat two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a gripping five-set semifinal at the Australian Open, setting up a blockbuster final against Carlos Alcaraz. The 38-year-old Serb, pushed to the limit for over four hours, is now one win away from a historic 25th Grand Slam title
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after his semi-final win over Jannik Sinner. Pic/AFP
Novak Djokovic has ensured it will not be ‘Sincaraz’ but ‘Djokaraz’ in the Australian Open final after being “pushed to the very limit” in stunning Jannik Sinner in a five-set marathon to move to the brink of history.
The Serb, 38, rolled back the years to beat two-time reigning champ Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes of nail-biting action. Djokovic kneeled on the court and was lost for words. “It feels surreal, to be honest,” said Djokovic, who had lost the five previous matches to Italian Sinner, 24. He added: “The level of intensity and quality of tennis, was extremely high, and I knew that was the only way to have a chance to win tonight against him. Jokes aside, I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one [win] in the last couple of years. I have tremendous respect for him. He pushes you to the very limit; he did tonight to me.”
With age and injuries catching up with Djokovic, Sunday may represent the Serb’s best chance of seizing that elusive 25th major, although his gritty display against Sinner shows he still has plenty left in the tank to beat Carlos Alcaraz.
38
Novak Djokovic’s age — making him the oldest man in the Open era to reach a title match at the Rod Laver Arena
2024
The last time Novak Djokovic appeared in a Grand Slam final — at Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz
0
No. of losses for Novak Djokovic in the Aus Open final across 10 appearances
104
No. of wins for Novak Djokovic at the Aus Open — the most by any player
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