Pat Cash has two questions to ask as Novak Djokovic sets up Carlos Alcaraz final in Australia

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For the first time in over 500 days, Novak Djokovic will contest a Grand Slam final.

The Serb produced a masterclass on Rod Laver Arena in the semis, defeating the two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets.

38-year-old Djokovic was immense from the first point to the last, overpowering his younger rival to qualify for his 38th major final.

There, he’ll meet Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Alexander Zverev in another marathon semifinal match.

Looking ahead to Djokovic and Alcaraz’s Australian Open clash, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash had two questions.

Pat Cash wants to know if Novak Djokovic will recover in time for the Australian Open final

During BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of the Australian Open, Cash shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s win over Sinner.

“It’s hard to put everything into words,” he said.

“Great serving from [Novak] Djokovic, it kept him in the match so often.

Where does that performance rank out of Novak Djokovic’s best of all time?

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“[Jannik] Sinner just could not break; his break percentage was ridiculously low for him.

“Sometimes you have those matches where you can’t break, and it plays on your mind.

Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner – Match stats

“Sinner threw everything at him in the fifth set. He came out swinging much harder, and it looked like his set.

“Djokovic hung on, and it was like the Djokovic of old.”

Cash then looked ahead to Sunday’s men’s singles final.

“We saw it last year here, he beat [Carlos] Alcaraz – will it be the same?” he asked.

“Can his body recover?

“I don’t think that is his concern right now; he is just happy to get to the final.”

As Cash mentioned, Djokovic beat Alcaraz at the Australian Open 12 months ago.

The Serb fought back from a set down to defeat Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

He’ll need to be fully fit if he wants any chance of repeating the feat this time around.

However, while Djokovic’s fitness has been a topic of discussion throughout the tournament due to his age, Alcaraz isn’t necessarily 100% either.

During his five-hour semifinal, Alcaraz cramped up badly and nearly lost to Zverev.

It remains to be seen how fit both players will be on Sunday when they step on court for the final match of the 2026 Australian Open.

Annabel Croft left ‘speechless’ after watching Novak Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner

Also working for BBC Radio 5 Live, British tennis legend Annabel Croft gave her verdict on the match.

“I am speechless,” she said.

“That was an extraordinary contest, totally absorbing to watch.

“So fascinating in terms of the tactics.

“Sinner was so clinical in the first set, and Djokovic came out swinging after, throwing the kitchen sink at Sinner.

“Beautiful serving, the odd serve and volley, this is one of the most special contests.

“We were treated earlier with Alcaraz and Zverev, now Djokovic, giving away 14 years to his opponent.

“What a contest.”

It was certainly a great day for tennis, as Alcaraz, Zverev, Djokovic, and Sinner breathed life into the tournament.

There had only been a handful of five-set matches at the tournament before the semis, as many felt underwhelmed by the action down under.

Matches at the 2026 Australian Open (men’s)

Nobody left Rod Laver Arena feeling underwhelmed today, though, after watching two back-to-back match-of-the-year contenders.

Only time will tell if the final will be just as good.

Djokovic will play Alcaraz in the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday, February 1.