By Ashiadey Dotse
Novak Djokovic has reached the Australian Open final after a dramatic five-set victory over defending champion Jannik Sinner in Melbourne which he will feature against world number Carlos Alcaraz who also defeated Alexander Zverev.
The Serbian star rolled back the years to beat the Italian 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a gripping semi-final that lasted more than four hours and ended after 1:30am local time.
Djokovic, who will turn 39 later this year, showed great strength and experience to overcome Sinner, who had beaten him in their last five meetings. The win sends Djokovic into his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024.
Eighteen years after winning his first Australian Open title, Djokovic is now chasing a record-extending 11th Melbourne crown and a historic 25th Grand Slam title. He will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
After Sinner’s final shot landed wide, Djokovic raised his arms in celebration before falling to the court in exhaustion and joy.
“I’m lost for words. It feels surreal,” Djokovic said after the match. “The intensity and quality were extremely high. I knew I had to play my best to have a chance.”
Djokovic also became the oldest men’s singles finalist at the Australian Open in the Open Era, breaking a record that had stood since 1972.
The match swung back and forth, with Sinner taking early control and Djokovic responding with strong serving and deep groundstrokes. Despite looking tired at times, Djokovic found another level in the deciding set and took his only break-point chance to seal the win.
Former British number one Tim Henman praised Djokovic’s performance, describing it as “phenomenal” and “difficult to comprehend” at this stage of his career.
Djokovic will now turn his focus to the final, where he faces world number one Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be another thrilling contest at the Australian Open.
