Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a grueling semifinal, booking his place in the Australian Open final.
The ten-time champion survived more than four hours of intense tennis, with the match concluding close to 2 a.m. local time.
After the win, Djokovic reflected on the battle:
“Where should I start?! It feels surreal, playing more than four hours, almost 2 a.m. Reminiscing to when I played Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, the level of intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high.
“I knew that was the only way to have a chance of winning today. He won the last five matches against me, he had my number, so I had to change my number tonight!”
He continued, praising his opponent:
“I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one (win) in the last couple of years. Incredible player, he pushed me to the limit, so he deserves a great round of applause for his performance.
“I wasn’t wrong last year when I said Sinner and Alcaraz were playing on a different level. I said it would be difficult but not impossible! So here we are. I just had to find that level.”
Also read: Alcaraz Seals Dramatic Win Over Zverev to Reach Australian Open Final
Djokovic will now face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday. A victory would mark Djokovic’s first Grand Slam title since 2023, in a period dominated by Sinner and Alcaraz, who have all clashed in the last eight finals.
