Novak Djokovic rolled back the years as he produced a scintillating performance to defeat Jannik Sinner and reach the Australian Open final. The Serb reached his maiden Grand Slam title clash since Wimbledon 2024.
Novak Djokovic’s Comments After Beating Jannik Sinner in Thrilling Australian Open SF
Sinner entered the match as the heavy favorite to win given the fact that he beat Djokovic in each of their last five meetings. The Serb, who got into the semifinals after his quarterfinal opponent had to retire after winning the first two sets, matched the Italian’s level and ensured that the match went to a fifth set.
Sinner had eight break points during the final set but was not able to convert any of them. Djokovic held his nerve and produced the decisive break in the seventh game. He eventually bagged a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win to reach his first Australian Open final since 2023.
Speaking to Jim Courier after the match, Djokovic said that beating Sinner felt surreal and that he reminisced his iconic 2012 final against Rafael Nadal.
“I’m lost for words right now to be honest. It feels surreal to be honest. Playing 4 hours, it’s almost 2 am. Reminiscing in 2012 I played Rafa in the final that was 6 hours almost. But the level of intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win today against him,” the Serb said.
Speaking about his past fixtures against Sinner, Djokovic joked that he had to “change his mobile number” before lauding the Italian’s performance. He also gave a shoutout to the great Margaret Court, with whom, he shares the record for the most number of Grand Slam singles titles (24).
“He won the last 5 matches against me, he had my mobile number, so I had to change my number tonight. But jokes aside. I told him at the net thanks for allowing me at least one the last couple years. I have tremendous respect for him. Incredible player, he pushes you to the limit which is what he did tonight to me. So he deserves a great round of applause for his performance,” Djokovic said.
“Some legends stayed up to 2 am, Margaret Court, thank you so much for being here tonight. I cannot thank enough for the support to all the people, you guys have been incredible tonight, honestly, incredible. I love our passionate relationship, every year something different, and tonight has been one of the, if not the best night, support-wise I’ve ever had in Australia. Thank you for the support,” he added.
When Courier reminded Djokovic about his past comments that beating Alcaraz and Sinner in five sets would be difficult, the Serb responded:
“I wasn’t wrong, I said it was going to be very difficult but not impossible. You’re recalling it very well, I said that they were playing on a different level, so I had to find that level.”
Djokovic also heaped praise on Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev on their monumental semifinal, that lasted for nearly five-and-a-half hours, and joked that he wanted 10% of the ticket sales since the crowd were treated to two impressive semifinals.
“Yes, I did watch. I was very eager to get out on the court. What an incredible match. We tried to match that quality and that intensity, but credit and kudos to both of these guys for battling it out. I think you guys got your value for the ticket today, that’s for sure. I want 10% of tonight’s ticket sales. Craig (Tiley), 10%, no negotiations,” Djokovic said.
“I saw Carlos after the match and he told me, ‘I’m sorry to delay the start of your match’, and I told him, ‘I’m an old man, I need to go earlier to sleep.’ I’m looking forward to see him in a few days,” he added.
Standing between Djokovic and a record 25th Grand Slam singles title is Alcaraz, who will play in his very first Australian Open final after edging out Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5. Speaking about that match, the Serb said:
“Honestly, it feels like winning already tonight but I know I have to come back in a couple of days. Well, less than a couple of days, and fight the number one of the world. So, I just hope that I’ll have enough gas to uh to stay toe-to-toe with him. That’s my desire and then let God decide the winner.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz have had nine prior meetings, with the Serb leading the head-to-head 5-4. The Serb also won their only prior encounter at the Australian Open, beating him in the quarterfinals last year.
Victory for the Serb will see him win an 11th Australian Open title and a reccord 25th Grand Slam singles title, thus surpassing Margaret Court in her homeland. However, if Alcaraz wins, he will win his seventh Major crown and will become the youngest player to complete the Career Grand Slam.
