Novak Djokovic dominated reigning two-time champion Jannik Sinner, setting himself up to face Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.
Published January 30, 2026
Novak Djokovic spent his halcyon days playing a five-set classic, dethroning Jannik Sinner and becoming the oldest man to reach the Australian Open final at the rocky Rod Laver Arena during his professional career.
Four months before his 39th birthday, Djokovic showed he was still invincible as he crossed the finish line early on Saturday at 1:32 a.m. (2:32 p.m. Friday, Japan time) in Melbourne, sending the two-time champion away with a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
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“To be honest, it feels surreal to play for more than four hours,” Djokovic said on court.
“I was remembering when I played against Rafa (Nadal) in the final in 2012 and it lasted almost six hours.
“The level of intensity and quality (against Sinner) was high and that was the only way we had a chance to win.
“He had won the last five games with me and had my cell phone number, so he had to change his phone number tonight.
“All kidding aside, I said online: ‘Thank you for forgiving me at least once.’ Great respect, great player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves credit for his performance.”
Djokovic will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final, but the Spaniard faced Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semi-final.
Eighteen years after his first victory in Melbourne, Djokovic will be fighting for a record-equalling 11th Grand Slam title against Alcaraz, and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, which has eluded him so far.
Djokovic needed incredible luck to reach the semi-finals, but his quarter-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti was out injured after winning the first two sets.
The Serbian also enjoyed a bye in the fourth round when Jakub Mencik withdrew.
But it was hard work and mental fortitude that got Djokovic over the line against Sinner, who has beaten him in the past five matches.
Victory came reluctantly.
He had to save a number of break points in the final set, but ended up going for Sinner’s serve at 3-3.
The Serbian player, who had beaten the Italians in three punishing rallies, put them ahead 4-3, pumped one fist and cast a cold stare into the players’ box.
Djokovic had to save three more break points in his next service game, but left Serbian fans in turmoil when he survived all of them and held with an ace.
Djokovic, who entered the match at 5-4, summoned the grit and champion spirit that has brought him 20 years at the top, setting up two match points with forehand winners down the line.
Sinner made both saves, but ultimately conceded with a wide backhand that left Djokovic throwing away his racket and dropping to his knees, crossed over his chest.
