Novak Djokovic ends Jannik Sinner streak to reach Australian Open 2026 final, becomes oldest finalist in Melbourne
(Courtesy : @AustralianOpen/Twitter)
Djokovic snaps five-match losing streak to Sinner to become oldest men’s finalist in Melbourne Park.
Novak Djokovic took down two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the second five-setter of the day at the Australian Open 2026 on Saturday.
The Italian, who was aiming to become the first player since Djokovic to win three in a row in Melbourne, saw his campaign come to an end in the semi-finals against an inspired Djokovic.
Djokovic crafted a five-set victory, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and 9 minutes to become the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open Era. The Serb at 38 years, 255 days, surpasses the previous record set by Ken Rosewall in 1972.
The 10-time Australian Open champion snapped a five-match losing streak to the Italian, dating back to 2023. Their career head-to-head now stands at 5-6. Djokovic saved 16 of 18 breakpoint opportunities against his 24-year-old Italian rival advance to yet another major final when Sinner’s backhand sailed long.
Three crucial breaks of serve made all the difference in the five-setter that saw Sinner record 72 winners and 26 aces, only to find himself eliminated from the 2026 Australian Open.
Now in his 38th men’s singles Grand Slam final, Djokovic will take on Carlos Alcaraz for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and 11th Australian Open win.
The final on Sunday will be Djokovic’s first championship match at a Grand Slam event since Wimbledon 2024 and a rematch with Alcaraz from the grass court major in 2024.
Alcaraz had earlier defeated Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semi-final to make his title round debut in Melbourne Park. The World No. 1 overcame cramps and a determined German to advance 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in five hours and 27 minutes for his 90th Grand Slam match win.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head record, last five meetings
The top seed set a record of his own, becoming the youngest player to reach the finals at all four Grand Slams in the Open Era. Alcaraz, six -time Grand Slam champion, will be looking to complete a career Grand Slam on Sunday.
Speaking to Jim Courier in the post-match interview, Djokovic said, “He(Sinner) had my mobile number, so I had to change it for tonight.”
“I think you guys got your value for the ticket today. I want 10% of tonight’s tickets sold. No negotiations,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion added.
Djokovic is 10-0 in finals at the Australian Open. That record will be tested against Alcaraz in the title round clash, which the Serb leads 5-4.
Who did Novak Djokovic defeat in the Australian Open 2026 semi-final?
Novak Djokovic defeated two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set semi-final match.
What was the scoreline of Djokovic vs Sinner match?
Djokovic won the match 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes.
What record did Djokovic set with this win?
Djokovic became the oldest men’s finalist in Australian Open history in the Open Era at 38 years and 255 days.
How many matches in a row had Djokovic lost to Sinner before this win?
Djokovic had lost five consecutive matches to Sinner before defeating him in this semi-final.
Who will Djokovic face in the Australian Open 2026 final?
Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.