Novak Djokovic keeps 25th Grand Slam dream alive, sinks Jannik Sinner in 4 hours & 9 minutes at Australian Open 2026

Novak Djokovic kept his dream for a 25th Grand Slam title alive after the Serbian tamed Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes to march into the final of the Australian Open 2026 on Friday at the Rod Laver Arena. The two-time defending champions, Sinner couldn't match the 38-year-old as Djokovic reached his 38th Grand Slam final.

The last time Djokovic entered a Grand Slam final was in 2024 at Wimbledon. If the Serbian wins on Sunday, it will be his first major title since 2023 US Open. Also, at the Australian Open, its been 18 years since Djokovic won the title. A 10-time winner at the Melbourne Park, Djokovic has bean Sinner for the first time since 2023.

Four months before his 39th birthday, Djokovic showed why is still unbeatable on his day. Although fortune favoured him in the last two rounds, but the 24-time Grand Slam winner had to showcase his his hard work and mental toughness to the fore to get over the line. In the process, Djokovic also broke Sinner's five-game unbeaten run against him.

Djokovic needed incredible fortune to reach the semi-finals, with his quarter-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti retiring injured after taking the first two sets. The Serb enjoyed a walkover in the fourth round as well, when Jakub Mensik pulled out.

Feels surreal, says Novak Djokovic

After the match, Djokovic admitted it felt surreal to play over four hours and recalled his 2012 final against Rafael Nadal. "It feels surreal to be honest playing over four hours," Djokovic said on court. "I was reminiscing in 2012 when I played Rafa (Nadal) in the final, that was six hours almost.

“The level of intensity and quality was high (against Sinner) and that was the only way to have a chance to win. He won the last five matches against me, he had my mobile number, so I had to change my number tonight,” added Djokovic jokingly.

The Serbian also congratulated Sinner for his game. "Jokes aside I said at the net: 'Thanks for allowing me at least one'. Tremendous respect, an incredible player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves applause for his performance," he added.

‘They were playing on a different level’

Praising the younger generation, Djokovic stated that the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner and others are playing on a different level and he had to match them. "I said it would be difficult, but not impossible. I said they were playing on a different level, I just have to find that level.

“I watched (Alcaraz v Zverev), what an incredible match. We tried to match that intensity. I think you guys got your value for money on the tickets, that's for sure. I want 10% from tonight's tickets sold!” he added.

“I saw (Carlos Alcaraz) after the match, he said sorry for delaying the start of our match. I told him I am an old man and I need to go to sleep early! I am looking forward to seeing him in a few days,” concluded Djokovic.