Novak Djokovic Defeats Jannik Sinner In Epic 5-Set Match; Faces Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open Final

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by Sam LanierJanuary 31, 2026, 2:05 pm >

While everyone was asleep, the Australian Open just produced one of the greatest semi-finals of all time, capped off by the 24-time major champion, Novak Djokovic, defeating reigning champion and World number two Jannik Sinner in a five-set instant classic.

The 38-year-old lasted four hours and nine minutes to defeat Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic kept the Aussie crowd awake until 1:30 a.m. local time as he punched his ticket for a chance at the illustrious 25th Grand Slam title. “I think you guys got the value for the ticket,” Djokovic says jokingly to the crowd after the match. Sinner continues to struggle in matches over three hours and 50 minutes, falling to 0-9 in his career.

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Despite going the distance, that wasn’t even the longest match of the day, as the match before between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev lasted five hours and 27 minutes, being the longest semifinal in Australian Open history. World number one Alcaraz seemed to be starting to cramp during the third set, as he was up two sets to none. The cramping affected Alcaraz, letting Zverev battle all the way back before Alcaraz won the fifth set 7-5, punching his ticket to his first Australian Open Final.

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This sets up arguably the biggest Australian Open Final of all time as Djokovic aims for his record-breaking 25th major, and Alcaraz is looking to complete the career grand slam at just 22 years old. Alcaraz is hoping to join the elite company of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams by winning every Grand Slam title. If Alcaraz wins on Sunday, he will pass Nadal as the youngest player ever to complete this feat.

Before the semifinal match, Djokovic was asked by a media member if he feels like he is chasing Alcaraz & Sinner. The Serbian thought it was “disrespectful,” given the domination he has exerted throughout his career and the fact that the players have been chasing him.

It was evident how much this match meant for Djokovic as he was tearing up post-match. “I’m lost for words right now,” Djokovic said with tears in his eyes.

The 10-time Australian Open winner has dominated Rod Laver Arena and looks to keep the young superstar Alcaraz from completing the career Grand Slam in what will be an epic conclusion to the first major of the season.