Djokovic beats Sinner as history and Alcaraz await in Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic stuns reigning two-time champion Jannik Sinner to set up Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.Published On 30 Jan 2026Novak ‍Djokovic ‍channelled his halcyon days in a five-set classic to dethrone Jannik Sinner and become ⁠the oldest man to reach ​the Australian Open final ‍in the professional era at a rocking Rod Laver Arena.Four months before his ‍39th ⁠birthday, Djokovic showed he remains unbeatable on his day as he sent the double defending champion packing with a 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 ​6-4 win in a 1:32am finish early on Saturday in Melbourne (14:32 GMT on Friday).Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Vonn airlifted to hospital after crash at cancelled final pre-Olympic racelist 2 of 4Real face Mourinho’s Benfica in UCL again, PSG meet Monaco – all to knowlist 3 of 4T20 World Cup 2026: Teams, format, venues and full match schedulelist 4 of 4Bangladesh approves shooting team India tour, days after T20 World Cup banend of list“It feels surreal to be honest, playing over four hours,” Djokovic said on ​court.“I was reminiscing in 2012 when I played Rafa [Nadal] in the final, that was six ‍hours almost.“The level of intensity and quality was high [against Sinner], and that was the only way to have a chance to win.“He won the last five matches against me, he had my mobile number, so I had to change my ‍number tonight.“Jokes aside I ⁠said at the net: ‘Thanks for allowing me at least one’. Tremendous respect, an incredible player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves applause for his performance.”Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand against Jannik Sinner of Italy [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]Djokovic will meet world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, the Spaniard having fought off Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semifinal.Eighteen years after his first Melbourne crown, Djokovic will strive for a record-extending 11th against Alcaraz and the unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title that has eluded him.Djokovic needed incredible ​fortune to reach the semifinals, with his quarterfinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retiring injured ‌after taking the first two sets.