Djokovic Defeats Sinner in Epic Battle; Goes for the 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic demonstrated his tenacity by overcoming Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set match at the Australian Open. The victory, with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and 6-4, gives Djokovic the opportunity to fight for his 25th Grand Slam title. The match, which went on until after 1:30 a.m. local time in Melbourne, was a clear example of the intensity and quality expected in the final stages of a tournament of this magnitude.

Djokovic vs. Alcaraz: The Expected Final

In the final, Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, the only player who, along with Sinner, has won important titles since Djokovic won the US Open 2023. Alcaraz secured his place in the final after defeating Alexander Zverev in another thrilling five-set match, which lasted more than five and a half hours.

I think you guys got your money’s worth.

Novak Djokovic

Sinner’s defeat marks his first fall at the Australian Open since 2023, after having won the title in the previous two years. Djokovic, showcasing his best defense, saved 16 of 18 break point opportunities he faced, ending a streak of five consecutive losses against Sinner, in a match that lasted 4 hours and 9 minutes. After Sinner’s last backhand, Djokovic celebrated with his arms raised, visibly emotional and exhausted.

I was speechless. It’s surreal, to be honest. Playing for more than four hours, almost at 2 a.m. The level of intensity and the quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way to have a chance to win tonight.

Novak Djokovic

Sinner, on the other hand, continues his negative streak in long matches, with a career record of 0-9 in matches that exceed 3 hours and 50 minutes.

I had many opportunities, I couldn’t take advantage of them, and that’s the result. Yes, it hurts, for sure.

Jannik Sinner

Djokovic’s victory, considered an ‘underdog’ with odds of +810, represents the biggest upset in a men’s Grand Slam match since Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Alcaraz at the US Open 2024. This victory breaks Djokovic’s streak of four consecutive semi-final eliminations in major tournaments. He thus advances to his eleventh Australian Open final, where he has never lost, with 10 men’s singles titles.

Honestly, it already feels like winning tonight. I hope I have enough energy to keep up with him. That is my wish, and may God decide the winner.

Novak Djokovic

Alcaraz, with 22 years old, will seek his first title at Melbourne Park and become the youngest player to complete a Grand Slam in his career. Djokovic had some advantages on his way to the final. His fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew before the match, and he was two sets down against Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals before the Italian was injured and retired.

Friday’s first games were promising for Sinner, but Djokovic found his game, with precise and powerful strokes. Although he failed to take the first set, he knew how to take advantage of Sinner’s mistakes in the second set to take the lead.

Djokovic won his first set against Sinner in two years thanks to a winning forehand, and had flashes in the third before Sinner pressed and took the set.

Djokovic, despite showing signs of fatigue, managed to maintain his level and his serve was key to staying in the match. In the fifth set, Sinner had eight break opportunities and Djokovic only one, but it was the Serbian who converted, and that was enough for him.