Novak Djokovic produced a vintage performance to overcome reigning two-time champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-final of the 2025 Australian Open, booking a place in yet another Melbourne Park final.
The 38-year-old Serbian star dug deep in a gripping contest that ended at 1:32 am, edging past the Italian 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to secure a showdown with top seed Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s title match.
A victory in the final would see Djokovic defeat an opponent 16 years his junior and lift a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would place him alone at the top of tennis history.
Alcaraz earned his place in the final after battling through his own dramatic five-set semi-final, overcoming German third seed Alexander Zverev despite visible fitness concerns.
With age and recurring injuries increasingly becoming factors in Djokovic’s career, this Australian Open run could represent his strongest opportunity yet to claim that elusive 25th major. His determined display against Sinner, however, was clear evidence that the Serbian still has remarkable resilience and competitive fire.
Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam triumph came at the 2023 US Open. Since then, Alcaraz and Sinner have largely dominated the men’s game, leaving Djokovic tied on 24 majors with Australia’s Margaret Court, who was in attendance at Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner, 24, started the semi-final in commanding fashion, breaking Djokovic’s serve early to sprint into a 3-0 lead. The four-time Grand Slam champion looked sharp, combining a powerful serve with precise groundstrokes to comfortably take the opening set.
Djokovic responded in the second set, breaking serve to move 3-1 ahead and then defending three break points to consolidate his lead at 4-1. A fierce crosscourt forehand sealed the set on his first set point, bringing the match level.
Midway through the third set, Djokovic appeared to struggle physically, briefly clutching his chest before slumping into his chair. Sinner capitalised, earning three break points at 5-4 and converting the second when a Djokovic lob drifted long to reclaim the lead.
Refusing to surrender, Djokovic struck early in the fourth set with a crucial break of serve as the match pushed past midnight. That momentum carried the contest into a tense fifth set, where Sinner repeatedly failed to convert opportunities to break.
Djokovic made his move at 4-3, breaking serve and then holding to edge closer to an 11th Australian Open final. Although Sinner saved two match points while trailing 4-5, Djokovic finally closed out the match on his third opportunity.
The former world number one remains the undisputed master of Melbourne Park, where he has now won 10 titles. Despite the triumph, Djokovic admitted afterward that he considered himself fortunate to reach the latter stages and acknowledged entering the match as the underdog against Sinner.
His path to the semi-finals was aided by circumstances, including Lorenzo Musetti’s retirement while Djokovic trailed by two sets in the quarter-final, and a walkover in the fourth round after Jakub Mensik withdrew through injury.
Last season, Djokovic reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments but failed to advance further. This year’s Australian Open run, however, has reignited hopes that the Serbian legend may yet add another chapter to his extraordinary career.
What you should know
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Jannik Sinner marks one of his most significant wins in recent years, keeping alive his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Despite injuries and advancing age, Djokovic continues to defy expectations, particularly at the Australian Open, where he has dominated for more than a decade.
His upcoming final against Carlos Alcaraz represents a generational clash that could define the future direction of men’s tennis.
