Novak Djokovic rolled back the years to defeat defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller and reach the Australian Open final, where he will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
After falling in the semi-finals of the past four Grand Slams, Djokovic produced a determined display to beat the Italian 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that ended in the early hours of Saturday.
At 38, and less than four months from his 39th birthday, the 10-time Australian Open champion became the oldest man in the professional era to reach the final, surpassing Ken Rosewall. The win also ended a five-match losing streak against Sinner.
Djokovic will now chase a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and a historic 25th Grand Slam crown, a milestone that has so far eluded him.
Earlier at Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz battled through exhaustion and leg cramps to defeat Alexander Zverev in the longest men’s semi-final in Australian Open history, lasting five hours and 27 minutes. The Spaniard won 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5.
“I saw Carlos after the match and he said sorry for the delay,” Djokovic told the crowd. “I told him I’m an old man and need to go to sleep early.”
Djokovic praised the quality of both semi-finals at a tournament that had seen few major upsets. Against Sinner, he relied on his experience and mental strength, especially in the final set where the Italian failed to convert eight break points.
“I had many chances but couldn’t take them,” Sinner said. “He came up with great shots. He’s won 24 Grand Slams for a reason. For me, he’s the greatest for many years.”
Alcaraz showed remarkable resilience after suffering a leg cramp midway through the match. Leading by two sets, he struggled to move in the third set and required a medical timeout to receive treatment on his right thigh, sparking protests from Zverev, as medical timeouts are not allowed for cramp-related issues.
The Spaniard drank pickle juice and continued, losing the next two sets but staying competitive. After dropping serve early in the deciding set, Alcaraz appeared to regain energy, producing several outstanding shots under pressure.
Zverev served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set but could not close it out, as Alcaraz won the final three games in dramatic fashion. After sealing victory, the 21-year-old collapsed on the court in disbelief.
Alcaraz, who is bidding to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, said belief helped him survive the physical and mental test.
“You have to believe in yourself no matter what,” he said. “Physically, this was one of the toughest matches of my career. I had to fight with my heart until the last ball. I’m very proud of how I came back.”
The final now promises a generational showdown between Djokovic’s experience and Alcaraz’s youthful intensity.
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