It’s a line that may have never been said in the Australian Open’s history, but Novak Djokovic has caused one of the great semi-final upsets to progress through to his 11th final at the Grand Slam.
The 38-year-old wound back the clock to claim a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over reigning champion Jannik Sinner, and book in an eye-watering 11th Aus Open final on Sunday night against Carlos Alcaraz.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 | SUN 1 FEB 1PM AEDT | For the first time in his storied career, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his championship in his home city of Sydney, in a rematch with Brazil’s Diego Lopes. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
At two sets a piece, World No.2 Sinner had more than enough chances to make the match his, but failed to convert a single one of his eight break points in the decider. By extension, Djokovic saved 16 out of 18 break points across the four hour, nine-minute match that finished at 1:32am Melbourne time.
“Jannik Sinner had his chances, there’s no doubt about that,” former Australian tennis player Todd Woodbridge said on Nine post-match.
Djokovic looked to be battling notable exhaustion from the third set onwards, despite a fourth-round walkover and playing just two-and-a-half sets on Wednesday against Lorenzo Musetti before his retirement.
But the Serbian, who has won a Men’s record of 24 Grand Slams, picked himself up off the canvas as he has done so many times before at Melbourne Park to win two of the final three sets.
His victory now puts the duo’s head-to-head record to 6-5 in favour of the Italian, but Djokovic’s win on Friday night ended a five-match winning streak.
Sinner’s record in matches longer than three hours and 50 minutes now rises to 0-9.
“I’m lost for words right now, to be honest,” Djokovic said post-match, after dropping to his knees at the contest’s conclusion.
“I have tremendous respect for (Sinner). He pushed me to the limit … The level of intensity and the quality of tennis was extremely high, and I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight.”
The win sees Djokovic rocket into a 39th Grand Slam final, and now makes him the oldest man in the Open era to reach the title match in Melbourne.
Sunday night’s epic clash will be the Serbian’s first appearance in a Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024.
Re-live all the updates from Night 13 at Melbourne Park below!
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 13 ORDER OF PLAY
Men’s Singles Semi-Finals and Mixed Doubles Final
Rod Laver Arena
Night session from 7:30pm
[4] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs [2] Jannik Sinner (ITA)