Djokovic Triumphs Over Sinner in Five-Set Thriller
In a highly anticipated showdown, Novak Djokovic proved his mettle against Jannik Sinner, clinching victory in a dramatic five-set match during the Australian Open.
After an exhausting contest, Djokovic emerged with a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win, which concluded after 1:30 a.m. local time in Melbourne. This victory sets the stage for him to pursue an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.
In the final, Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, the only player besides Sinner to have claimed major titles since Djokovic’s last Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. Alcaraz secured his spot in the final after defeating Alexander Zverev in another extended five-set match, lasting 5 hours and 27 minutes—setting a record for the longest semifinal in Australian Open history.
Djokovic expressed his excitement to the audience, humorously stating he deserved 10% of the ticket sales due to the gripping performances seen in both lengthy matches. This loss was Sinner’s first at the Australian Open since 2023, having won the tournament in the previous two years.
Djokovic exhibited exceptional defensive skills, saving 16 out of 18 break points he faced, concluding a five-match losing streak against Sinner after a grueling 4-hour and 9-minute battle. After the final shot landed out, Djokovic celebrated with ecstasy and exhaustion.
“I’m at a loss for words right now,” Djokovic shared with tears in his eyes during his post-match interview. “It feels unreal, having played over four hours until almost 2 a.m. The intensity and quality of the match were incredibly high, and I knew that was essential for my chance to win.” He also acknowledged Sinner’s skill, thanking him for providing a challenging match.
Sinner’s struggles in lengthy matches continued, as he remains winless in nine encounters lasting over 3 hours and 50 minutes. “I had plenty of opportunities but didn’t capitalize on them, and that’s the result,” Sinner remarked, indicating the disappointment of the match.
With Djokovic initially the underdog at +810 against Sinner, this victory marks a significant upset—one of the largest in men’s Grand Slam history. This triumph breaks a streak of four consecutive major semifinal exits for Djokovic as he makes his 11th appearance in the Australian Open final, where he has never lost, holding 10 Norman Brookes Challenge Cups. At 38, he aims to be the oldest player in the Open era to win a Grand Slam title.
