Melbourne: Novak Djokovic rolled back the years with a remarkable comeback victory over reigning champion Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles semi-final, booking his place in a record 11th final at Melbourne Park on Friday.
The 10-time Australian Open champion defeated World No. 2 Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a gripping five-set battle that lasted over four hours, showcasing Djokovic’s trademark resilience, tactical brilliance and mental strength.
Djokovic Shows Champion’s Grit After Going Behind Twice
World No. 4 Djokovic found himself under pressure early as Sinner, who has dominated their recent meetings, claimed the first and third sets with aggressive baseline play and relentless consistency.
However, Djokovic responded each time with calm authority, raising his level in crucial moments to turn the match around. His experience shone through in the fourth and fifth sets, where he broke serve at decisive junctures and defended superbly under pressure.
This victory marks Djokovic’s first win over Sinner in more than two years, ending a difficult run against the Italian star.
A Classic Semi-Final At Melbourne Park
Sinner looked on course to defend his title after taking a two-sets-to-one lead, but Djokovic’s ability to absorb pace, extend rallies and exploit marginal openings proved decisive. The Serb’s movement and shot selection in the closing stages drew loud applause from the Melbourne crowd.
Despite the loss, Sinner delivered another impressive Grand Slam performance, underlining his status as one of the sport’s dominant forces.
Djokovic To Face Alcaraz In Blockbuster Final
Djokovic will now face World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final. Earlier in the day, Alcaraz overcame physical discomfort to defeat Alexander Zverev, setting up one of the most anticipated finals in recent Grand Slam history.
The showdown promises a generational clash, pitting Djokovic’s unmatched Grand Slam experience against Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism and fearless shot-making.