MELBOURNE, Australia — Signs that it would be a challenging night for Novak Djokovic became evident early.
Down a game and serving at the start of the first set on the Rod Laver Arena—once his domain—the 24-time Grand Slam champion displayed his hallmark power with a serve down the middle, forcing his rival into an awkward lunge.
Despite this, Jannik Sinner remarkably connected with a wobbly return, giving Djokovic an opportunity for an easy point. He prepared for a classic open stance forehand at the corner, but Sinner was ready; he executed an agile backhand down the line with ease, setting the stage for an eventful match.
Just moments later, Sinner achieved the first break of the night, raising hopes for an upset as they continued through the Grand Slam semifinal. Yet, this was Djokovic’s fifth consecutive semifinal at this level, a milestone at the age of 38.
“I’ve never stopped believing in myself,” Djokovic stated in the arena’s inner sanctum just before 3 a.m. Saturday. Acknowledging doubt from experts over the past few years, he expressed gratitude, stating those critiques fueled his motivation to prove them wrong.
This match began to showcase flashes of his former brilliance, concluding with Djokovic roaring to a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 2 Sinner, propelling him into an Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
The match was punctuated by Djokovic’s impeccable backhand and exceptional court vision. Early in the second set, Djokovic pushed through a difficult moment by even vomiting on the court, showcasing the pressures of elite competition while maintaining his focus to secure key points and ultimately clinch the match. As he prepares for the finals, Djokovic reflects on his resilience and readiness to face Alcaraz in a quest for yet another Grand Slam title.
