Novak Djokovic is through to the Australian Open final for the 11th time in his career after defeating defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets.
The Serb, in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, beat Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to book his place in the championship match, where he will take on world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic snapped a five-match losing streak against the Italian, earning his first win in the head-to-head since 2023 to deny him a three-peat at Melbourne Park.
Where does that performance rank out of Novak Djokovic’s best of all time?
He is now just one win away from becoming the player with the outright most Grand Slam titles of any man or woman in the history of the sport, with the 38-year-old currently tied with Margaret Court on 24.
Following Djokovic’s incredible win, British tennis legend Tim Henman could not believe what he had just seen.
Tim Henman reacts to Novak Djokovic beating Jannik Sinner
Speaking on TNT, Henman said: “You go back to the beginning of the match and I think there was massive uncertainty.
“You see the first three games, and Sinner is up 3-0, and you’re thinking, wow. After the previous semifinal, this could be ugly. You are thinking Sinner could run the tables here, and Djokovic responded.
“He started to get his teeth into the match in the first set even though he lost it and then the way he started unloaded from the back of the court, going down the line, moving in and out of the corners, the quality and consistency on display. It was absolutely phenomenal.
“This guy has won 24 Slams. We have seen him produce the goods at the biggest and best moments, but what he did tonight, at this time of night, at this stage of his career. It’s difficult to comprehend.”
Novak Djokovic becomes the oldest Australian Open finalist ever
At 38 years and 241 days of age, Djokovic is now the oldest male player ever to reach the Australian Open final in singles, according to Opta Ace.
Who is the greatest male tennis player of all time?
He surpassed Ken Rosewall’s record, with the Australian legend having advanced to the championship match Down Under in 1972 at 37 years and 54 days.
- 1 – Novak Djokovic, 2026: 38 years and 241 days
- 2 – Ken Rosewall, 1972: 37 years and 54 days
- 3 – Mal Anderson, 1972: 36 years and 298 days
- 4 – Roger Federer, 2018: 36 years and 160 days
- 5 – Ken Rosewall, 1971: 36 years and 125 days
Djokovic currently leads the head-to-head with his final opponent, Alcaraz, by five wins to four.
The Spaniard emerged victorious in their last clash, however, which came in the US Open semifinals last season.
Alcaraz is also chasing history in Australia, as he bids to become the youngest player in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
