After being “pushed to the very limit” in a five-set battle against shocking Jannik Sinner early on Saturday, Novak Djokovic will take against Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.
In a 1:32 am conclusion, the 38-year-old Serb overcame two-time defending champion Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
In Sunday’s Melbourne title match, Djokovic takes on top seed Alcaraz. If he defeats a player 16 years younger, he will win an all-time record 25th Grand Slam title.
In the other semi-final, Alcaraz overcame German third seed Alexander Zverev in an incredible five-set victory despite fitness concerns.
After four hours and nine minutes of nail-biting action, Djokovic kneeled on the court.
He appeared sad, lost for words at first.
“To be honest, it feels surreal,” remarked Djokovic, who had lost the five prior encounters with the 24-year-old Italian Sinner.
“I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight against him because of the extremely high level of intensity and, I suppose, the quality of tennis.”
“Jokes aside, I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one (win) in the last couple of years,” he continued.
“He is an amazing player, and I have the utmost respect for him.” He pushes you to the limit, and that’s exactly what he did to me tonight.
Even while Djokovic’s tough performance against Sinner indicates he still has a lot more in him, Sunday might be the Serb’s best chance to win that elusive 25th major as age and injuries catch up with him.
Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men’s tennis since his last Grand Slam victory, which took place at the US Open in 2023.
Djokovic and Margaret Court of Australia, who was watching from the stadium, are now tied on 24 majors as a result.
Djokovic at home
At Rod Laver Arena, Sinner got off to a quick start, breaking Djokovic’s serve to take a 3-0 lead.
The four-time major winner was in excellent form, sealing the first set with a flawless serve and groundstrokes.
In the second set, Djokovic returned, breaking serve to take a 3-1 lead and then saving three break points for a 4-1 victory.
On Sinner’s first set point, Djokovic leveled the match with a stinging crosscourt forehand.
Midway through the third set, Djokovic appeared to falter, briefly clutching his chest before partially slumping into his seat.
At 5-4, Sinner had three break points. On the second one, a Djokovic lob drifted long, and Sinner won the set.
But as the clock approached midnight in the fourth set, the courageous Djokovic was not finished, breaking the Sinner serve early.
They went to a crucial fifth set, and the tension rose up another notch, as Sinner continually lost chances to break serve.
However, Djokovic was merciless, taking advantage of the break for a 4-3 lead before holding to secure an 11th Melbourne final.
At a 4-5 deficit, Sinner managed to preserve two match points before Djokovic was fortunate enough to win the third time.
Having won ten titles at Melbourne Park, the former world number one is without a doubt the park’s monarch.
However, he acknowledged that he was the underdog versus Sinner and that he was really fortunate to have made it to the semi-finals.
Djokovic was two sets down in his quarter-final to Lorenzo Musetti when the Italian fifth seed retired hurt.
He also had a free ride through the fourth round when Jakub Mensik dropped out injured.
Last year, Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of all four majors but was unable to advance.
