Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Beats Jannik Sinner To Set Up Final Vs Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-final to set up the Australian Open men’s singles final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic aims to secure his 11th Melbourne Park title and his 25th Grand Slam trophy on Sunday.

Record At The Other End…

Top-ranked Alcaraz triumphed over No. 3 Alexander Zverev with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in a match that began in the afternoon warmth and, 5 hours and 27 minutes later, became the longest semifinal ever at the Australian Open.

Four months before turning 39, Djokovic proved his dominance once again by defeating the double defending champion.

With age and injuries taking a toll, this may be the Serbian’s best opportunity to claim his elusive 25th major title. However, his determined

performance against Sinner indicates he still has plenty of fight left.

Djokovic’s last Grand Slam victory was at the US Open in 2023, since which Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men’s tennis.

This has left Djokovic tied with Australia’s Margaret Court, who was present in the stadium, each with 24 major titles.

Sinner, 24, started strongly at Rod Laver Arena, breaking Djokovic’s serve to take a 3-0 lead.

The four-time major winner was in excellent form, with his serve and groundstrokes on point, securing the first set.

Djokovic fought back, breaking serve to lead 3-1 in the second set and saving three break points to go up 4-1.

He leveled the match by hitting a sharp crosscourt forehand on his first set point.

Midway through the third set, Djokovic appeared to struggle, briefly holding his chest and then collapsing into his seat.

Sinner had three break points at 5-4 and took the set on his second chance when a Djokovic lob went long.

Undeterred, Djokovic broke Sinner’s serve early in the fourth set as the clock passed midnight.

The match went to a deciding fifth set, with the tension rising as Sinner missed several break opportunities.

Djokovic capitalised, breaking serve to lead 4-3 and then holding, placing an 11th Melbourne final within reach.

Sinner saved two match points at 4-5, but Djokovic clinched victory on his third attempt.

Djokovic, the undisputed king of Melbourne Park with 10 titles, admitted he was fortunate to reach the semi-finals and acknowledged being the underdog against Sinner.

He had been two sets down in his quarter-final against Lorenzo Musetti before the Italian retired due to injury.

Djokovic also advanced through the fourth round when Jakub Mensik withdrew injured.

Last year, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four majors but did not progress further.

(With inputs from Agencies)