Novak Djokovic’s reign at the Australian Open has come to an end as 22-year-old Jannik Sinner claimed victory to reach his first-ever Grand Slam final.
The Serbian lost 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 for the first time since 2018 as the Italian fourth seed regrouped from not taking a match point in the tie-break.
Sinner has made history en route to reaching the finals, as the win ended Djokovic’s bid for a record-extending 11th title and a 25th major to put him clear of Margaret Court.
Sinner will face either Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.
Djokovic’s elimination means there will be a new name on the Australian Open men’s singles trophy.
“It was very, very tough,” said Sinner, who is the first Italian to reach a Melbourne singles final.
“I felt like Djokovic wasn’t feeling that great, so I kept pushing. I just tried to be ready for the fourth set, which I started off really, really well.”
Despite Djokovic’s remarkable record of 46 comebacks in Grand Slam matches after losing the opening set, his challenge grew more daunting following a second set marred by an onslaught of unforced errors.
Sinner continued to return well, but Djokovic’s level slightly improved in the third set as both men looked solid on serve.
Djokovic narrowly clinched the tense tiebreak by saving a match point. Despite Sinner’s flawless performance, he must have wondered how the match was extending into a fourth set.
The Italian reset impressively to force three break points in Djokovic’s first service game, which the Serb saved, before he blew a 40-0 lead to hand over another break for 3-1, which proved decisive.
“The confidence from the end of last season has, for sure, kept the belief I can play against the best players in the world, and I’m really happy I can play in my first final,” said Sinner.
“I learned a lot from that defeat at Wimbledon, and it is all part of the process.”
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