Australia Open: Djokovic in tears after stunning comeback victory over Sinner 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat two-time defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal thriller at Melbourne Park on Friday, advancing to his record-tying 11th Australian Open final with a chance to claim a historic 25th Grand Slam title.

The match, played on Rod Laver Arena and finishing well past 1:30 a.m. local time after nearly four hours of intense play, ended with Djokovic prevailing 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic, seeded No. 4 and aged 38, twice fought back from a set down against the world No. 2 Sinner, snapping a five-match losing streak to the Italian and demonstrating the enduring resilience that has defined his career.

Sinner dominated the opening set 6-3 with powerful baseline play and efficient serving. Djokovic responded by taking the second set 6-3 to level the match. The third set went to Sinner 6-4, putting Djokovic on the brink. The Serb rallied to claim the fourth 6-4, forcing a deciding fifth set where he edged a tense battle 6-4, capitalizing on key break points and unforced errors from Sinner late in the match.

The emotional climax came during the on-court interview with Jim Courier. A visibly moved Djokovic wiped away tears as the crowd chanted his name. His coach was also seen in tears.

Describing himself as “lost for words,” Djokovic called the match “surreal” and reflected on its late finish approaching 2 a.m.

In a lighter moment, he joked about finally securing a win after Sinner had beaten him in their previous five encounters: he quipped that Sinner “has my number so I had to change my phone number this time,” or alternatively thanked Sinner for “finally allowing him to win one.”

This victory carries deep significance. Sinner entered as the two-time defending champion (2024 and 2025), having established dominance over Djokovic in recent high-stakes meetings.

Djokovic’s ability to outlast a player widely seen as part of the sport’s “new power duo” (alongside Carlos Alcaraz) underscores his legendary mental fortitude and adaptability, even as age and physical demands increase.

The win propels him into Sunday’s final against Alcaraz, setting up a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics final and a shot at extending his all-time Grand Slam record.