Jannik Sinner’s pursuit of a three-peat at the Australian Open ended in the semifinals after suffering a five-set defeat to Novak Djokovic.
In an enthralling match, Djokovic beat Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the championship match at Melbourne Park for the 11th time in his career, where he will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Prior to the semifinal clash between the two, the Italian was on a five-match winning streak against the Serb, having not lost in the head-to-head since the 2023 ATP Finals.
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This time around, however, Djokovic put in an incredible performance to battle past Sinner, becoming the oldest Australian Open finalist in history at 38 years and 241 days of age.
It was an astonishing display from the 24-time major champion, but it did not surprise his opponent.
Jannik Sinner reacts to his defeat to Novak Djokovic
When asked in his post-match press conference if he was shocked by Djokovic’s level, Sinner said: “I mean, I know he’s won 24 Grand Slams. You know, we know each other very well, how we play.
“I always said, you know, never… how you say… surprised not, because I feel like he’s the greatest player for many, many years.
“Of course, he’s playing less tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important Grand Slams are for me, for him, for Carlos [Alcaraz], and everyone.
“You know, there is this small extra motivation, and he played great tennis. Hopefully, I can see some, take it also kind of as a lesson, maybe to see what I can improve on.”
Jannik Sinner says Novak Djokovic’s level was ‘different’ to last year
Sinner had dominated Djokovic at Grand Slams in 2025, winning both of their meetings at majors convincingly.
He defeated Djokovic in straight sets in the final four at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and was largely untroubled on the two occasions.
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Discussing the difference between Djokovic’s performance at the Australian Open compared to the two bouts in 2025, Sinner said: “Every match is different.
“There is not… You cannot compare any match if you know, Roland Garros or Wimby (Wimbledon) was different. Here was different again. Yeah, you cannot compare.”
Djokovic is now one win away from becoming the player with the most major titles of any man or woman in history.
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