Novak Djokovic is through to the Australian Open final after beating two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller.
The 38-year-old Serb won 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a four-hour match at Rod Laver Arena. The win ends a five-match losing streak against Sinner and sets up a showdown with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. A victory in the final would give Djokovic a record 25th Grand Slam title.
“I wouldn’t dare to call it my finest ever, but definitely the finest in the last couple of years,” Djokovic said. “In semis against Sinner, who’s been playing the best tennis of his life, two-time defending champion? It doesn’t get better than this.”
Sinner, 24, started fast, breaking Djokovic’s serve to lead 3-0 and take the first set 6-3. Djokovic came back in the second, breaking Sinner for a 3-1 lead and holding on to even the match. The final set was tight, but Djokovic saved all eight break points to seal the win.
“He beat me the last five times,” Sinner said. “I had many chances, couldn’t use them, and that’s the outcome. It hurts, for sure.”
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Djokovic had fitness concerns heading into the match, dealing with foot blisters and fatigue. His path to the semi-final also included a walkover from Jakub Mensik and a retirement from Lorenzo Musetti.
“You always have some minor issues with your body, at least for me every single day. But major issues, no,” Djokovic said. “Thankfully, that’s still not posing a challenge for me to play and move around the way I want to.”
Earlier, Alcaraz won a five-set battle against Alexander Zverev, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5, setting up a final between tennis’s top young star and one of its greatest veterans.
Djokovic, now the oldest men’s singles finalist in Australian Open history, said: “I’m lost for words right now. Playing over four hours, almost 2 a.m., the level of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way to have a chance to win tonight.”
Experts praised Djokovic’s performance. Tim Henman said: “The quality, intensity, and consistency of his play was absolutely phenomenal. At this stage of his career, it’s hard to comprehend.”
Jamie Murray added: “He had the legs, the head, and the heart to outlast a guy 14 years younger. It’s incredible.”
Sunday’s final promises history. Djokovic can become the first man with 25 Grand Slams. Alcaraz, 22, aims to complete a career Grand Slam.
“I never stopped believing in myself,” Djokovic said. “A lot of people doubted me, but they gave me strength to prove them wrong. Tonight’s win almost equals winning a Grand Slam.”