Melbourne, Jan 30: Novak Djokovic's enduring greatness found yet another powerful expression on Rod Laver Arena as the 38-year-old booked his place in the Australian Open final, becoming the oldest men's singles finalist in the tournament's history.
With a gripping 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday (January 30), Djokovic not only set up a blockbuster final against Carlos Alcaraz but also added a fresh chapter to his ever-growing record book.
Most Australian Open Finals
This will be Djokovic's 11th Australian Open final, further cementing his status as the most dominant men's player the tournament has ever seen. It is also his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024, and it comes with the tantalising prospect of a record-breaking
25th major title, a milestone no player-male or female-has yet achieved in the Open Era.
Djokovic ends Sinner's Unbeaten Streak
Beyond the headline achievement, the semi-final carried deep statistical and psychological significance. Djokovic had lost his previous five encounters against Sinner, but he snapped that streak emphatically under the bright lights of Melbourne. In doing so, he also ended Sinner's remarkable 20-match winning run at tour level and halted the Italian's 19-match unbeaten streak at the Australian Open, underlining Djokovic's enduring ability to rise against the very best on the sport's biggest stages.
Oldest to Aus Open Final
At 38, Djokovic surpassed the long-standing record held by Ken Rosewall (37 years, 54 days) from 1972 to become the oldest finalist in Australian Open history. The appearance also marked his 38th Grand Slam final, extending his Open Era record and leaving him seven finals clear of any other player in men's tennis.
The match itself was a masterclass in survival and precision under pressure. Djokovic saved a staggering 16 of the 18 break points he faced, a testament to his mental strength in decisive moments. Only once before has he saved more break points in a Melbourne match-during his epic 2012 semi-final against Andy Murray, a tournament that ended with his iconic five-hour, 53-minute final win over Rafael Nadal.
Physically tested after an injury scare midway through the third set, Djokovic responded with trademark defiance. He broke Sinner early in the fourth set to swing momentum back in his favour and produced the decisive break at 4-3 in the final set. Even when Sinner fought off two match points to force deuce, Djokovic regained his composure to close out victory and deny the Italian a historic third straight Australian Open crown.
Djoker equals Rafael Nadal
Statistically, the win further strengthened Djokovic's legacy. He now shares the record for most wins over top-10 opponents at a single Grand Slam (20), equalling Rafael Nadal's tally at Roland Garros since ATP rankings were introduced in 1973. In Melbourne, where margins are often razor-thin, Djokovic once again proved unmatched in clutch moments.
Now, the Serbian stands one match away from history. Awaiting him is Carlos Alcaraz, the man who defeated him in the Wimbledon final in 2024 and represents the new generation's bold challenge to Djokovic's reign. Yet, as Melbourne has shown time and again, few stages bring out Djokovic's greatness quite like the Australian Open.
At 38, chasing a 25th Grand Slam title in his 11th Australian Open final, Novak Djokovic continues to defy age, trends and expectations-redefining longevity and excellence in men's tennis with every match he wins.
