Jannik Sinner’s time at the Australian Open came to a shocking end at the hands of Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.
Djokovic said he was inspired by Carlos Alcaraz as he dispatched the world number two in an incredible five-set match.
Sinner had his chances to topple Djokovic in the decider, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion showed his class to hold off the Italian.
Sinner explained the reason why he struggled to convert break points against Djokovic in the deciding set.
Jannik Sinner rues missed chances against Novak Djokovic
Sinner and Djokovic’s match could have truly gone either way, and the Serbian star showed his mettle by defending eight break points in the deciding set.
At his Australian Open press conference, Sinner was asked about why he struggled to convert break points against Djokovic.
Should Djokovic retire whatever happens in the Australian Open final and go out in a blaze of glory?
Sinner replied: “Most of the time he served very well, so you know, you also have to say that. I had my chances. I was in the rallies a couple of times. I missed the shots, and it can happen.
“That’s tennis, and that’s how tennis works. Also, great serving and then give him also a lot, a lot of credit how he played today.
Sinner shared more praise for Djokovic, who arguably played his best match of tennis since the final of the Paris Olympics in 2024.
“It was a good match from both of us. Yeah, had many chances. Couldn’t use them, and that’s the outcome. Yeah, it hurts, for sure.”
Djokovic will now play Carlos Alcaraz in the final as he looks to win his 11th Australian Open and his 25th Grand Slam overall.
Jannik Sinner reveals why he couldn’t convert his big opportunities against Novak Djokovic
Sinner actually won more points than Djokovic in their match, despite crashing out of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Asked why he struggled to turn his points dominance onto the scoreline, he replied:
Yeah, I mean, especially in the end I was holding a little bit easier, and he was struggling a bit to hold, you know, many break points.
Novak Djokovic would be the undisputed GOAT if he won Grand Slam number 25 – could anyone argue otherwise?
“So, yeah, I mean, I kind of knew that I made more points than him, but in the same time, it’s quite irrelevant if we see the score.”
Sinner suffered his first loss to Djokovic since the ATP Finals in 2023, and it brought an end to five-straight wins for the Italian.
Sinner’s next tournament is now expected to be the Qatar Open, which takes place between 16 and 21 February.
