Novak Djokovic has defeated Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set semi-final to book his place in the Australian Open men’s singles final, keeping alive his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The 38-year-old Serbian battled past the Italian star 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a late-night contest, showing resilience and experience to overcome the reigning champion and reach yet another Melbourne Park final.
Victory sets up a blockbuster title decider against world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced after a gruelling five-set win over Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final.
The result underlines Djokovic’s enduring competitiveness despite questions over age and injuries in recent seasons. He has remained within reach of history, currently tied on 24 Grand Slam titles and aiming to surpass the long-standing record with another major crown.
Djokovic later joked about the physical demands of late-night matches, telling reporters he needed to get to sleep earlier because of his age, while also praising the high level of tennis on display throughout the tournament.
For Sinner, the defeat marked a painful setback after missed chances during the match, though the Italian acknowledged Djokovic’s quality and experience on the big stage.
The final is expected to be a generational showdown, with Djokovic’s experience and pursuit of history meeting Alcaraz’s athleticism and current dominance on the tour.
