KEY POINTS
- Novak Djokovic defeats defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic to reach Australian Open final.
- At 37, the Serb becomes the oldest male finalist in the tournament’s professional era.
- He will face Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, seeking a record 11th Australian Open title and a 25th Grand Slam.
MELBOURNE: In an epic display of resilience and champion spirit, Novak Djokovic rolled back the years to dethrone defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set marathon, securing his place in the Australian Open final.
The 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory at a roaring Rod Laver Arena makes the 37-year-old Serb the oldest male finalist at Melbourne Park in the professional era.
He will now face Spanish Star Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, hunting a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and a histodric 25th Grand Slam title, which would move him past Margaret Court to stand alone at the pinnacle of tennis history.
A battle of wills on the grand stage
The match was a test of nerve and endurance from the outset. Sinner, who had won the last five encounters against Djokovic, started powerfully, taking the first set. Undeterred, Djokovic clawed back, showcasing his tactical genius and defensive mastery to level the contest.
The pair traded sets in a relentless battle of baseline attrition, with Sinner’s explosive power meeting Djokovic’s unwavering precision and experience.
The decisive moment came deep in the fifth set. With the score locked at 3-3, Djokovic unleashed a series of brutal rallies to break the Italian’s serve, punctuating the feat with a fierce stare toward his support box. He then survived a tense service game, saving three break points before holding with an ace, sending the Serbian faithful into delirium.
Emotional triumph and praise for a Foe
Serving for the match at 5-4, Djokovic summoned his decades of grit. He created two match points, saved two by a defiant Sinner, before finally clinching victory when his opponent sent a backhand wide. Djokovic dropped his racket, fell to his knees, and crossed his chest in a moment of overwhelming emotion.
In his post-match interview, an elated Djokovic was full of praise for his vanquished rival. “I have tremendous respect for him. He is an incredible player and pushes you to the limit,” Djokovic said. Referencing Sinner’s recent dominance over him, he joked, “He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number for tonight!”
A historic Sunday awaits
The victory sets up a dream final against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, a clash of generations for the sport’s ultimate prize. Djokovic’s path to this stage was unorthodox, benefitting from retirements in earlier rounds, but his performance against Sinner silenced any doubters, proving his legendary status and insatiable will to win remain undimmed.
Having overcome one of the game’s brightest young stars, Djokovic now stands one win away from a milestone that would further cement his legacy as perhaps the greatest to ever play the game.
