Novak Djokovic defeats Jannick Sinner 3-2 to qualify for 11th Australian Open  finals

Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set semifinal at the Australian Open 2026, winning 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 11th final in Melbourne.

The victory sets up a blockbuster showdown with Carlos Alcaraz as Djokovic chases a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic’s clash with Sinner at Rod Laver Arena was a marathon lasting over four hours, filled with momentum swings and high drama.

The Italian started strongly, taking the first set 6-3 with aggressive baseline play and sharp serving.

Djokovic responded in the second set, rediscovering his rhythm and levelling the match with his trademark defensive resilience and precise shot-making.

The third set saw Sinner regain control, punishing Djokovic with powerful forehands to move ahead two sets to one, leaving the Serbian veteran under immense pressure.

The turning point came in the fourth set, where Djokovic dug deep into his reserves of experience and mental toughness.

He tightened his defence, extended rallies, and capitalised on Sinner’s errors to edge the set 6-4.

The momentum shift was palpable, as the 38-year-old champion began to dictate play with his return game and tactical adjustments.

Sinner, despite flashes of brilliance, began to show signs of fatigue as Djokovic’s relentless consistency wore him down.

The crowd witnessed a masterclass in resilience, with Djokovic refusing to let the match slip away.

In the decisive fifth set, Djokovic’s composure and championship pedigree proved decisive.

He broke Sinner at crucial moments and closed out the match 6-4, sealing his place in yet another Australian Open final.

For Djokovic, the victory was not only about advancing but also about reaffirming his dominance at Melbourne Park, where he has never lost in a final.

The veteran Djokovic is just a win away from becoming the Greatest of All Time tennis player ever.

Djokovic expresses his delight after the epic victory

“It feels surreal. Playing for almost four hours, coming close to 2 am. I’m reminiscing about playing Rafa in 2012. The quality of tennis was extremely high, and I knew this was the only way to win against him. He won the past five matches against me, and I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me this. He pushed me to the very limit. Tonight has been one of the – if not the best – supports for me in Australia. I’m looking forward to seeing Carlos on Sunday, even though it feels as if I’ve won [the title] tonight. I hope I’ll have enough gas to stay toe to toe with him”.