Novak Djokovic will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final after both players maintained their bids for history.
They came through five-set epics on an extraordinary day in Melbourne that stretched deep into the night.
The 38-year-old Djokovic will have his latest shot at a record 25th major triumph. It remains the sole unfulfilled ambition of his illustrious career after another defining comeback.
The Serb came from behind to beat two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4. Victory arrived at 01:30 local time following a punishing four hours and nine minutes.
Spain’s Alcaraz earlier came through 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5. The match lasted five hours and 27 minutes against Alexander Zverev and pushed endurance to the limit.
The men’s singles final takes place on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. That comes after world number one Aryna Sabalenka meets Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s women’s showpiece.
After what was undoubtedly one of the greatest performances of his 20-year career, Djokovic thanked those still present. Australian great Margaret Court was among them, sharing the overall Grand Slam record at 24.
A staggering success was founded in near-perfect ball striking in decisive moments. Yet it was defined by remarkable resilience under sustained pressure.
Relentless resilience and youthful defiance shape a final for the ages
Djokovic twice levelled the match against world number two Sinner, saving eight break points in the fifth set. He battled relentlessly as another thrilling conclusion unfolded on Rod Laver Arena.
Having looked physically fatigued as he conceded the third set, Djokovic appeared only to grow stronger. He refused to fold, even as rallies lengthened and margins vanished.
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A 10-time Melbourne champion, Djokovic recovered from 0-40 to edge within one game of victory. He ended Sinner’s resistance on a fourth match point.
The win made him the oldest man in the Open era to reach the Australian Open final. It will be his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024.
Between him and history stands world number one Alcaraz, still chasing his own landmark. He fell to the floor in disbelief after sealing victory and keeping his career Grand Slam bid alive.
The 22-year-old had clinched the first two sets and was cruising early. Then, serving at 4-4 in the third, he suddenly pulled up and struggled to move.
Alcaraz took a medical timeout, leaving third seed Zverev visibly irate. He looked a shadow of himself as the German forced a deciding set.
Zverev served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth. Yet Alcaraz produced a scarcely believable comeback to reach his first Australian Open final.
Tags: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open, #AussieOpen, #AustralianOpen, #AusOpen, Melbourne, Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner.
