Djokovic edges Sinner to reach Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic rolled back the years to defeat Jannik Sinner in a gripping five-set semi-final at the Australian Open, setting up a title clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

The 38-year-old Serb battled past the two-time defending champion 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a four-hour-plus contest that ended at 1:32 am on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena.

After sealing victory, Djokovic dropped to his knees on court, appearing emotional and briefly lost for words.“It feels surreal, to be honest,” Djokovic said.

“The level of intensity, and I guess the quality of tennis, was extremely high, and I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight against him.”

Djokovic, who had lost his previous five meetings with the 24-year-old Italian, acknowledged the challenge posed by Sinner.“Jokes aside, I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one (win) in the last couple of years,” he said.“I have tremendous respect for him, an incredible player.

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He pushes you to the very limit, which is what he did tonight to me.”Sinner made a fast start, breaking serve early to take the opening set.

Djokovic responded in the second, breaking for a 3-1 lead and saving three break points before levelling the match with a fierce cross-court forehand.

The Italian regained control in the third set, capitalising on three break points at 5-4 to move within a set of victory as Djokovic briefly appeared physically troubled.

The Serb, however, rallied in the fourth, breaking early as the match pushed past midnight.In the decider, Djokovic seized a crucial break for 4-3 and held firm despite Sinner saving two match points, eventually closing out the contest on his third opportunity.

The win sends Djokovic into Sunday’s final against top seed Alcaraz, who overcame fitness concerns to defeat Alexander Zverev in five sets in the other semi-final.Victory in the final would give Djokovic a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, moving him clear of Margaret Court, with whom he is currently tied on 24 majors.

Djokovic last lifted a Grand Slam trophy at the US Open in 2023 and admitted before the semi-final that he considered himself the underdog against Sinner, who has dominated men’s tennis alongside Alcaraz in recent seasons.

Despite injury concerns and difficult moments earlier in the tournament, Djokovic’s display against Sinner underlined his enduring pedigree at Melbourne Park, where he is a ten-time champion and once again a finalist.

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