Novak Djokovic produced one of his finest-ever performances to defeat Jannik Sinner and earn his place in the Australian Open final.
The Serbian rolled back the years to defeat the world number two for the first time since the ATP Finals in 2023.
Djokovic had failed to truly impress in Australia until his match with Sinner, which saw him defeat the Italian in an enthralling five-set battle.
After the match, Djokovic revealed he shared a conversation with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of his battle with Sinner.
Who is winning in Sunday’s Australian Open final?
Novak Djokovic shares what he said to Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open semi-final
Jim Courier told Djokovic on the court about his comments when he was knocked out of the US Open semi-final in 2025.
Courier reminded Djokovic of his comments suggesting it was ‘impossible’ for him to reach a Grand Slam final in the Sinner and Alcaraz era.
Djokovic responded: “I was not wrong! I said it would be very difficult but not impossible. So here we are!
You are recalling it very well. I said that they were playing on a different level, so I just had to find that level.”
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The Serbian then turned his attention to his Australian Open final opponent Carlos Alcaraz, who he will play on 1 February.
Speaking about Alcaraz’s epic battle with Alexander Zverev, Djokovic said: I did watch [the match]. I was very eager to get out on the court.
“What an incredible match. We tried to match that quality and intensity but credit to both of these guys for battling it out.
“I think you guys got value for your ticket today, that is for sure! I want 10% of tonight’s ticket sales!”
Djokovic crossed paths with Alcaraz ahead of his match with Sinner, and shared what they spoke about in the locker room.
“I saw Carlos after the match and he told me I’m sorry to delay the start of your match. I told him I am an old man, I need to go earlier to sleep. I am looking forward to seeing him in a few days!”
The two men will meet for the first time since the 2025 US Open, when Alcaraz beat Djokovic in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record ahead of the Australian Open
Djokovic and Alcaraz’s meeting at the Australian Open was a bonafide classic and it was the 11th meeting between the pair since 2021.
Sinner had previously dominated the head-to-head in recent years, having won each of their last five matches.
However, Djokovic had still managed to cling to Sinner, having previously beaten him four times between 2021 and 2023.
Now that Djokovic has defeated Sinner at the Australian Open, he is just one victory behind Sinner in their head-to-head.
Djokovic has won five out of 11 of his matches with Sinner, but this one will arguably mean more than any other.
