Novak Djokovic can do exactly what Jannik Sinner did and win his 25th Grand Slam now

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Novak Djokovic had a lucky escape in his Australian Open quarterfinal match.

Losing the first two sets to Lorenzo Musetti, 6-4, 6-3, Djokovic looked destined for his earliest exit in Melbourne since 2018 (Lost in 4R to Chung Hyeon).

Attempting to turn things around, he led 3-1 in the third set, when Musetti retired due to injury.

Djokovic is now just two wins away from the elusive 25th Grand Slam title.

But how can he be expected to win the Australian Open after producing such a disappointing performance?

Just ask his semifinal opponent, Jannik Sinner…

Jannik Sinner benefited from an opponent’s injury before winning Wimbledon last year

Italy’s Sinner walked on Wimbledon Centre Court as the clear favorite for his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov in 2025.

But after two sets, he looked down and out, unable to keep up with the Bulgarian.

Dimitrov was closing in on a memorable upset before disaster struck at 2-2 in the third set.

Injuring his pectoral muscle, Dimitrov retired from the match, sending Sinner through to the quarterfinals.

Some questioned whether Sinner could bounce back from such a close call.

Answering those questions emphatically, Sinner won Wimbledon for the first time.

• 2025 Wimbledon 4R – Jannik Sinner defeated Grigor Dimitrov, 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 (RET)
• 2025 Wimbledon QF – Jannik Sinner defeated Ben Shelton, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4
• 2025 Wimbledon SF – Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4
• 2025 Wimbledon F – Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4

Rarely are tennis players given a second chance, but on that occasion, Sinner took his with both hands.

It’s now Djokovic’s turn to make the most of his second chance.

By his own admission, Djokovic deserved to lose his quarterfinal match, but he needs to forget about that now.

There’s a job to be done in Melbourne, and he may not get another opportunity like this again.

Having only played 11 full sets of tennis so far, Djokovic arrives at the semifinal stage fresher than anyone else.

Sets played by Australian Open semifinalists so far

That’s not to say he’s 100% fit, though, as the Serb appeared to be slowed by a large blister on his foot during the quarterfinals.

Only time will tell if he can battle past the discomfort and qualify for his 38th Grand Slam final.

Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner – The story so far

Despite being the most successful player in Australian Open history, Djokovic will be the underdog against Sinner.

Why? Well, you just have to look at their head-to-head record.

Djokovic has lost their last five matches on the ATP Tour.

He also came up short in their one previous Australian Open meeting, in the 2024 semifinals.

En route to his first Grand Slam title, Sinner became the first player to beat Djokovic in Melbourne in 2,195 days.

Their last Australian Open clash proved to be a passing of the torch, as Sinner now looks to be the dominant force down under.

He, himself, hasn’t lost a match at the tournament in 1,102 days.

It remains to be seen if he can maintain his unbeaten record or if Djokovic can produce one more Australian masterclass.

Djokovic and Sinner will battle it out for a place in the Australian Open final on Friday, January 30.