A 38-year-old Novak Djokovic became the oldest Australian Open men’s finalist of all time after ending defending champion Jannik Sinner’s winning run in another five-set epic to set up a final with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic will bid for the standalone record of 25 grand slam titles, and his first in 18 months, on Sunday after producing a vintage performance against the 24-year-old Sinner, who had won his last five matches against Djokovic and his last 19 in a row at this tournament.
In doing so, Djokovic battled from two sets to one down, denying Sinner a fourth consecutive grand slam final against his rival Alcaraz, and proving that he remains a contender for the biggest titles in a match where he began as the major underdog.
Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title looked to be over as he trailed Lorenzo Musetti by two sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, but Djokovic admitted he was on his way home and “extremely lucky” to progress as the Italian retired with a right leg injury.
Earlier, Alcaraz downed third seed Alexander Zverev in a thriller to book a place in his first Australian Open final. The Spaniard led by two sets to love before being derailed by a sudden onset of cramp, with Zverev roaring back to win the next two sets on tie-breaks to force a decider - but Alcaraz dragged himself back from the brink to keep his hopes of becoming the youngest man to complete the career grand slam alive.
He will now look to recover ahead of what will be a historic occasion on Sunday.
Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, below
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he kept five-set streak alive in Australian Open epic
Carlos Alcaraz responds to controversy over medical timeout after Australian Open epic
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Australian Open latest scores and updates
- Novak Djokovic takes down Jannik Sinner to reach Australian Open final
- Vintage Djokovic ends Sinner's run in five-set epic lasting over four hours
- Djokovic faces latest bid to win a record 25th grand slam title at age of 38
- Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz downed Alexander Zverev in an instant classic to book final spot
Carlos Alcaraz: 'I had to put my heart into the match'
02:33 , Jamie Braidwood”Believing, all the time,” Alcaraz said after advancing to Sunday’s final, where he will face Novak Djokovic. “I always say that you have to believe in yourself no matter what. No matter what you're struggling with , what you've been through, no matter anything. You still believe in yourself all the time.
”I was struggling in the middle of the third set. You know, it's one of the most demanding matches that I have ever played in my short career. I've been in this kind of matches before, so I knew what I had to do. I had to put my heart into the match.
“I think I did it. I fought until the last ball. I knew that I was going to have my chances. I am just extremely proud with myself and the way that I fought and the way that I came back in the fifth set.”
Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he kept five-set streak alive in Australian Open epic
01:33 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz proved why he is the five-set king of tennis as the world No 1 won a record Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev to keep his career grand slam bid alive in five hours and 27 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals how he kept five-set streak alive in Australian Open epic
Carlos Alcaraz responds to controversy over medical timeout after Australian Open epic
00:33 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz said he did not know if he was cramping or had suffered a more specific injury when a medical timeout was called during the third set of his Australian Open win over Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz’s stunning five-set epic to reach his first Australian Open final did not come without controversy as the German fumed at the decision to allow his opponent a three-minute medical timeout at 5-4 in the third when he was struggling with his movement.
“He has cramp! He can't take a medical, he is cramping. What else should it be? This is absolute bull****! This is unbelievable,” Zverev said in German to supervisor Andreas Egli. Players are not allowed medical timeouts due to muscle cramping issues.
Carlos Alcaraz responds to controversy over medical timeout in five-set epic
Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina start time and how to watch Australian Open final
23:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAryna Sabalenka bids to regain her Australian Open crown as she faces Elena Rybakina in a big-hitting rematch of their dramatic final from three years ago.
The world No 1 was stunned by Madison Keys in last year’s final but is looking to win her third title in four years after reaching another final in Melbourne, having beaten Rybakina to win her first in 2023.
Both have been in dominant form this tournament, and Sabalenka and Rybakina are the first players to advance to a grand slam women’s final without dropping a set since Serena and Venus Williams in 2008.
Fifth seed Rybakina moved into her first grand slam final in three years by continuing her winning streak against top-10 players with wins against Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Rybakina may have lost to Sabalenka three years ago, but the 2022 Wimbledon winner claimed a statement win over the world No 1 at the WTA Finals at the end of last season.
Sabalenka will be bidding for her fifth grand slam title overall after continuing her excellent consistency with a seventh hard-court grand slam final in a row.
Aryna Sabalenka v Elena Rybakina start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
22:33 , Jamie BraidwoodOne way or another, history will be made in the Australian Open final on Sunday as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz meet with two career-defining achievements on the line.
After one of the most dramatic semi-final days the tournament has seen, Djokovic returned to his 11th Australian Open final by stunning the defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets to move one one away from the standalone record of 25 grand slam singles titles. Djokovic, at 38, is also bidding to become the oldest Australian Open champion of all time.
At the other end of the scale, world No 1 Alcaraz can become the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam, at the age of 22, after reaching his first Australian Open final. The Spaniard triumphed in five hours and 27 minutes to beat Alexander Zverev in five sets on Friday, in the longest semi-final in the tournament’s history.
Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz start time and how to watch Australian Open final
Djokovic’s four-word response reveals motivation behind epic run
22:14 , Alex PattleDjokovic seemingly hit back at his critics on Friday, with a subtle message in the aftermath of his Australian Open win against Sinner.
In the moments after his win against Sinner, Djokovic wrote on a camera lens on Rod Laver arena – a customary move for most players at most tournaments. However, while most players sign their names, Djokovic took the opportunity to send a message.
“Nesto ste rekli?” he wrote in Serbian, which translates to: “Did you say something?”
The message has been interpreted as a response to his Djokovic’s critics, whom he later addressed during a post-match press conference.
More here:
Novak Djokovic’s four-word response reveals motivation behind epic run in Australia
Djokovic’s sporting gesture to Alcaraz minutes before Sinner tie
21:29 , Alex PattleAs Djokovic awaited his semi-final with Sinner today, the Serb took a moment to speak to Alcaraz backstage.
While Alcaraz cooled down on a cycling machine, cameras captured Djokovic walking over to shake the Spaniard’s hand and those of his teammates.
Although Djokovic’s words were inaudible, he was seen patting Alcaraz on the back and bringing the younger player to laughter while walking away.
There will be little time for laughing and joking on court on Sunday!
Novak Djokovic makes sporting gesture to Alcaraz minutes before Sinner tie
Remarkable stat proves key to Djokovic’s triumph
20:29 , Alex PattleSpeaking of stats, this one was absolutely vital in Djokovic’s victory today:
The 38-year-old saved 16 out of the 18 break points that he faced.
That is a truly stunning show of resilience.
He will surely face similar adversity against Alcaraz. Can he be so defiant on Sunday?
Unbreakable.#AO26 pic.twitter.com/26xbMP9mTs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
How did Djokovic raise his level after scare against Musetti?
19:29 , Alex PattleDjokovic: “I never stopped believing in myself, you know. There’s a lot of people that doubt me. I see there is a lot of experts all of a sudden that wanted to retire me – or have retired me many times the last couple of years.
“I want to thank them all, because they gave me strength. They gave me motivation to prove them wrong, which I have tonight.
“For me, it’s not a surprise, to be honest. I know what I’m capable of. So, I’ve had many, many times in my career matches during a grand slam where it’s just one of those days where you’re not feeling your best.
“You try to find a way to win with everything that you possibly have, even though the quality of tennis is not even close to where you want it to be. So that was the case, you know? Again, I was lucky that obviously Lorenzo got hurt and retired that match.
“Two days later, obviously different opponent. I knew exactly what’s expected of me on the court, and I came out with the right, great clarity and strategy and gameplan and what needs to be executed.
“Obviously easier said than done. You know, one thing is to imagine how you want to play, and the other thing is to deliver it and execute it on the court against Sinner, [who] we all know is playing an extremely high level.
“I mean, I’m just thrilled to be able to experience something like this tonight.”
How does Djokovic recover / prepare for Sunday’s final?
18:29 , Alex PattleDjokovic: “I don’t know. Let’s see. You know, it’s almost 3am... Yeah, let’s see.
“I cannot make any predictions right now. Definitely not going to train tomorrow, just going to use every hour I possibly can to recover.
“Hopefully get out on the finals day feeling somewhat refreshed.”
Djokovic bids to become oldest man to win Australian Open
17:29 , Alex PattleDjokovic tells the press: “For me, I think also obviously for Carlos because of his age and everything that he was able to achieve so far, history is on the line for both of us every time we play.
“The finals of grand slams, you know, there’s a lot at stake, but it’s no different from any other big match that I play. My preparation is as it should be, and I won against him last year here, you know, also in a gruelling match [in the quarter-finals].
“Let’s see how fresh are we both able to be. He also had a big match, but he has 15, 16 years on me. You know, biologically I think it’s going to be a bit easier for him to recover! But, yeah, I look forward to it.
“Look, I play tennis competitively mainly to be able to reach the finals of grand slams. Here I am, so I cannot complain about anything. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment that I’m experiencing tonight.
“I’ll think about finals later, but for me, this is a win that almost equals winning a grand slam.”
Djokovic’s finest win ever? McEnroe makes the argument
16:59 , Alex PattleDjokovic tells the press: “To be honest, I wouldn’t dare to call it ‘ever’, ‘finest ever’, but definitely the finest in the last couple of years.
“Under the circumstances and semis, against Sinner who has been playing the best tennis of his life in the last couple of years – particularly here, two-time defending champion – it doesn’t get better than this.
“Honestly, when I started my preparations for the new season and kind of set the goals, it’s no secret that grand slams are where I want to play my best tennis, but it becomes... I guess, more difficult for me to motivate myself.
“I ask myself questions. ‘Ok, what is it that I’m looking for from myself?’ I was imagining really playing against Jannik and Carlos at the final stages of grand slams this year and battling it out and really giving it all that I have.
“So, very fortunate to already get it in the first slam of the year! Yeah, big win, very proud, very happy, very relieved, as well – because it was physically very demanding and gruelling.”
How Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage comeback
16:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAs Novak Djokovic turned his attention to his latest showdown with Jannik Sinner, he heard something that would end up flipping this Australian Open upside down. In the post-match press conference that followed his quarter-final with Lorenzo Musetti, where Djokovic admitted he was preparing to head home before the Italian retired from two sets up, he bristled at the wording of a question that asked him to compare how he felt “chasing” Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the start of his career to how he feels now, with Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner dominating.
Djokovic stopped. The wording of the question, he said, was “disrespectful” in leaving out the decade in between where he had been the dominant force. Suddenly, he had that fire in his eye. “I'm going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them,” Djokovic said.
Two nights later, at close to 2am in Melbourne, Djokovic rose to the challenge as he produced a vintage performance and one of the wins of his career in dethroning the Australian Open champion.
Report:
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
Sinner won more points than Djokovic across five sets!
16:17 , Alex PattleWas it a matter of not winning enough of the big points, though?
Sinner: “Yeah, I mean, especially in the end.
“I was holding a little bit easier, and he was struggling a bit to hold, you know. [I had] many break points.
“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.”
Was there a trend to Sinner’s eight wasted break points in fifth set?
16:08 , Alex PattleSinner: “I don't want to say all eight break points. Yeah, I mean, 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. You know, 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.”
What was different about Djokovic today, compared to recent matches vs Sinner?
15:55 , Alex PattleSinner: “Every match is different. There is not...
“You cannot compare any match – if, you know, Roland Garros or Wimby was different. Here was different again.
“Yeah, you cannot compare.”
Was Sinner surprised by Djokovic’s level today?
15:45 , Alex PattleSinner: “I mean, I know he’s won 24 grand slams.
“You know, we know each other very well, how we play. I always said, you know, never – how you say – ‘surprised’, no, because I feel like he’s the greatest player for many, many years.
“Of course, he’s playing less tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important grand slams are for me, for him, for Carlos, and everyone.
“You know, there is this small extra motivation, and he played great tennis. Hopefully I can see some, take it also kind of as a lesson maybe to see what I can improve on.”
When did Sinner start to feel Djokovic take control?
15:36 , Alex PattleSinner tells the press: “There is not one moment, to be honest. I had my chances.
“It was in the fifth set. Many break points, couldn’t use them. He came up with some great shots.
“Yeah, I mean, I decided sometimes [to try] a couple of different things. Today they didn’t work, but that’s how tennis is.
“I mean, I felt like also the first set was a great level, you know, from both of us. It was a bit a rollercoaster, and it happened like it happened today.”
How much did today’s defeat hurt Sinner?
15:23 , Alex PattleSinner tells the press: “Yeah, a lot. I mean, it was... you know, a very important slam for me of course – you know, knowing also the background.
“It can happen. It was good match from both of us. Yeah, I had many chances, couldn’t use them, and that’s the outcome.
“Yeah, it hurts, for sure.”
Djokovic snaps two of Sinner’s most-impressive streaks
15:20 , Alex PattleIn beating Sinner today, Djokovic ended two of the Italian’s standout winning runs:
Sinner had won his last five matches against Djokovic, and his last 19 in a row at the Australian Open.
How’s stat?
Djokovic vs Alcaraz set up by two semi-finals for the ages
15:11 , Alex PattleWhich match did you prefer?
Alcaraz’s five-and-a-half hour duel with Zverev, in which he blew a two-set lead but showed immense composure to get over the line?
Or Djokovic’s vintage performance to outlast Sinner in just over four hours, with the Serb fighting from behind twice?
Two classics today!
WHAT DID WE WITNESS?! 🤯
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
We were treated to two truly epic men's singles semifinals 😲 pic.twitter.com/Pln8xXnET6
Djokovic vs Alcaraz in grand-slam finals...
15:05 , Alex PattleAs mentioned below, Djokovic is 0-2 against Alcaraz in grand-slam finals.
However, Sunday will mark their first meeting in a major final on any surface other than grass.
Alcaraz’s two wins over Djokovic in slam finals both came at Wimbledon, with the young Spaniard winning an epic in 2023 and a procession in 2024.
Djokovic still dominating Down Under, 18 years on
14:57 , Alex PattleOkay, it’s far from a done deal yet; on Sunday, Djokovic faces the world No 1, against whom he is 0-2 in slam finals.
It will be a mammoth test for Djokovic.
But 18 years after winning his first Aussie Open – his first grand slam ever – Djokovic has a chance to win his 11th title in Melbourne.
Here he is back in 2008, moments after overcoming Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in that year’s final:
One major stat favours Djokovic ahead of Australian Open final
14:55 , Alex PattleWell, a few stats favour Djokovic, like the fact that he’s a 10-time champion in Melbourne, where Alcaraz is seeking his first Australian Open title...
But the specific one we’re thinking of is that Djokovic is 10-0 in finals here.
That’s right: not 10 titles from 12 finals, or 14, or 16, or any number you want to throw out there; 10 titles from 10 finals.
11NSANITY 🤯
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2026
Novak Djokovic secures a spot in his eleventh AO final!#AO26 pic.twitter.com/W8CiSGk44U
Novak Djokovic: 'I said it would be very difficult, not impossible'
14:51 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic is reminded that after his US Open semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz last year, he said beating Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner over best-of-five sets would be “very, very difficult”.
“I wasn't wrong. I said it would be very difficult but not impossible.
“I said that they were playing on a different level, so I just had to find that level.”
Djokovic is also asked what it will be like going for a 25th grand slam singles title, 18 months after his last final.
”Honestly, it feels like I’m winning already tonight,” Djokovic says.
”I know I have to come back in a couple of days, well less than a couple of days, and fight the number one in the world of the world.
”I just hope that I'll have enough gas to to stay toe to toe with him - that's my desire, and then let the gods decide the winner.”
Don’t count this guy out.
Novak Djokovic on beating Jannik Sinner: 'It feels surreal'
14:45 , Jamie Braidwood”I'm lost for words right now. It feels surreal, to be honest. Over four hours, almost 2 a.m. I was reminiscing of 2012 when I played Rafa in the finals and that was six hours almost
“The level of intensity and I guess the quality of tennis was extremely high and I knew that that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight against him.
“He won the last five matches against me. He had my number, so I had to change my number for tonight.
“Jokes aside I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one in the last couple of years.
”I have tremendous respect for him. Incredible player, I mean he pushes you to the very limit, which, which is what he did tonight to me. So he deserves a great round of applause, obviously for his performance.”
Djokovic is speechless after reaching Australian Open final
14:40 , Jamie BraidwoodThere are members of Djokovic’s camp in tears. There were people who asked whether he could have retired at the end of last season, such was the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner.
Djokovic is lost for words, literally!. These are unbelievable scenes. He was going home on Wednesday. He has pulled out one of his best ever performances, at this stage of his career.
WHAT ON EARTH JUST HAPPENED
14:37 , Jamie BraidwoodA 38-year-old Novak Djokovic became the oldest Australian Open men’s finalist of all time after ending defending champion Jannik Sinner’s winning run in another five-set epic to set up a final with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic will bid for the standalone record of 25 grand slam titles, and his first in 18 months, on Sunday after producing a vintage performance against the 24-year-old Sinner, who had won his last five matches against Djokovic and his last 19 in a row at this tournament.
In doing so, Djokovic battled from two sets to one down, denying Sinner a fourth consecutive grand slam final against his rival Alcaraz, and proving that he remains a contender for the biggest titles in a match where he began as the major underdog.
Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title looked to be over as he trailed Lorenzo Musetti by two sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, but Djokovic admitted he was on his way home and “extremely lucky” to progress as the Italian retired with a right leg injury.
Novak Djokovic through to Australian Open final
14:36 , Jamie BraidwoodUNREAL
Djokovic holds his arms aloft! We thought these days were over! But never write off Djokovic. He falls to his knees and becomes the oldest Australian Open finalist of all time at 38.
An 11th Australian Open final awaits against Carlos Alcaraz. He has won all 10 he has played. Is a 25th grand slam on?
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 Jannik Sinner
14:32 , Jamie BraidwoodRight after that, Sinner goes long on the return. A third match point for Djokovic. SINNER GOES WIDE ON THE BACKHAND!
Djokovic is through to the Australian Open final. At 38. In over four hours. In five sets. Against the defending champion.
I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE ARE WITNESSING.
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 5-4 Jannik Sinner
14:31 , Jamie BraidwoodIT WAS THERE FOR DJOKOVIC! RIGHT THERE! THE BALL SAT UP FOR THE DRIVE VOLLEY!
But Sinner was there ! He guides the return into the open court! He somehow stays alive!
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 5-4 Jannik Sinner
14:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go.
Sinner’s return goes long on the first point. The eruption immediately turns to silence.
Sinner goes long again! Has he reached the end? Djokovic moves two points from victory.
Djokovic finds impressive depth and sets up the opportunity to go big on the forehand. Sinner nets!
MATCH POINT. What an effort from Sinner to save the first. A breathless rally.
Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 5-3 Jannik Sinner*
14:21 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother baseline rally goes Djokovic’s way. Sinner pulls the trigger on the backhand - it drifts wide.
Djokovic finds another pinpoint serve! An ace! HE IS A GAME AWAY!
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 4-3 Jannik Sinner
14:19 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic saves the first two, the second landing the overhead onto the line. That’s seven saved in this set alone.
Sinner has one more chance. But he goes long! The Italian looked to have been in control, but the backhand drifts!
Djokovic has saved 16 out of 18. He may need to save more yet. Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 4-3 Jannik Sinner
14:16 , Jamie BraidwoodHold on. Jannik Sinner is not going to give up his Australian Open crown without a fight. On the opening point, he thunders the forehand winner.
The power from Sinner! My goodness. If this brings the best out of him now, after such a high quality fifth, we are in for something special. Sinner blasts and blasts. 0-30.
Djokovic looking a little weary as his first serve hits the net. Sinner hits the very outside of the line! Djokovic nets and is now doubled over!
Three break points for Sinner.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 4-3 Jannik Sinner
14:12 , Jamie BraidwoodSINNER BLINKS! He puts his forehand out, rushed by Djokovic!
And Djokovic will have break point. Unbelievable.
WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT.
Djokovic pings the baseline with the return. He does not crack in the rally. Sinner hits out!
DJOKOVIC BREAKS
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 3-3 Jannik Sinner
14:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThree hours, 40 minutes. We are entering the twilight zone. Sinner rushes to reach Djokovic’s drop-volley, pushing the forehand long.
Djokovic finds his spot with the T serve. Remarkable. And he comes through the game without coming under significant pressure.
ACE from Djokovic.
*Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 2-3 Jannik Sinner
14:01 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner is rolling through the service games and keeps his cool to put away a drop shot, so accurate that it is applauded by Djokovic, as he serves to love.
Oh this is good.
Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 2-2 Jannik Sinner*
13:58 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat is Sinner doing! On the fifth break point of this set, Sinner goes big on the return but can’t get his shoulder over the ball. It would have been ridiculous. It goes out.
Djokovic with another forehand winner, off the wide serve! Djokovic is hitting bigger and cleaner than ever! FIVE break points saved in the decider and he levels the fifth.
FOURTH SET! Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 Jannik Sinner*
13:33 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a tense rally that was! Djokovic hangs on, and roars as Sinner shoots long on the backhand. He withstood the blows and came out on top.
A third set point -SINNER NETS!
WE ARE GOING THE DISTANCE. AGAIN.
Djokovic’s dream of 25 is still alive!
THIRD SET! Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 4-6 Jannik Sinner*
12:41 , Jamie BraidwoodA big chance for Sinner now and it has been coming. Djokovic pushes wide on the forehand and will look at 0-30.
Sinner locks in on the rally and Djokovic, not hitting with the same power as about 30 minutes ago, goes long on the backhand.
Three set points. Sinner is not too far away from the screeching forehand crosscourt, but it’s out.
Sinner, though, takes the set! Djokovic pulls Sinner into the net, but the lob drifts long of the baseline!
He moves a set away.
SECOND SET! Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 Jannik Sinner*
11:49 , Jamie BraidwoodA double fault is not the start Djokovic wanted. He’ll have to do this the hard way again.
On the second serve to the forehand, Sinner nets! That was a chance. Djokovic offers no hope with an ace down the middle!
Two points away - Sinner looked in control, but Djokovic defends his backhand corner, and Sinner nets in response.
DJOKOVIC GUIDES THE FOREHAND PAST SINNER CROSSCOURT AND LEVELS THE SEMI-FINAL!
Sinner had won 10 sets in a row against Djokovic, all the way back to their Australian Open semi-final two years ago.
That streak is now over! We have a match in Melbourne!
SINNER WINS FIRST SET! *Djokovic 3-6 Sinner
11:02 , Kieran JacksonSensational rally at 15-0, which Sinner finishes with a lovely smash crosscourt.
Djokovic is angry at 30-0 as he hits a return into the net, with a phone having gone off in the crowd.
It makes no difference. Sinner smashes a backhand down the line to claim the opening set.
Stunning from the defending champion.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Alcaraz 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 Zverev*
09:15 , Jamie BraidwoodZVEREV FIRES LONG ON THE FOREHAND! Alcaraz will have match point!
Five hours, 27 minutes. Is this the end? IT ISSSSSSSSSSSSS!
It’s a miracle from Alcaraz! He has done it and collapses onto his back!
The two big questions before Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina’s Australian Open final rematch
16:57 , Jamie BraidwoodThree years on from a classic, Sabalenka’s big-game temperament and Rybakina’s serve will define the Australian Open final after two very different journeys to a long-awaited rematch
.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
The two big questions before Sabalenka and Rybakina’s Australian Open final rematch
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
16:56 , Jamie BraidwoodThe 38-year-old Djokovic stunned defending champion Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set stand to keep his dream of a 25th grand slam alive by returning to the Australian Open final
How Novak Djokovic proved us all wrong in vintage Australian Open comeback
Carlos Alcaraz on his physical recovery
16:54 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz will now turn his attention to recovering for Sunday’s final against Novak Djokovic, where he will bid for a first Australian Open title and the chance to become the youngest man of all time to complete the career grand slam.
“Obviously I feel tired - my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that's normal after five and a half hours,” Alcaraz said.
“So I just did whatever it takes just to try to feel better tomorrow. I'm going to have treatment with the physio now and we will see.
“Hopefully it's not going to be nothing at all, but after a five-and-a-half-hour match and that high level of physically, I think the muscles are going to be tight, and I just got to do whatever it takes to be as good as I can for the final.”
