Novak Djokovic has just booked his spot in an 11th Australian Open final after seeing off Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion.
Djokovic put on a remarkable show at Rod Laver Arena, coming through 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted over four hours.
Djokovic’s endurance drew plenty of admiration from the Melbourne crowd and set up a meeting with Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Alcaraz had already impressed earlier in the day, surviving a five-set battle against Alexander Zverev to reach Sunday’s decider.
Novak Djokovic pushes back on John McEnroe’s “best ever” claim
Alcaraz will likely be the favourite to win, but tennis legend John McEnroe went as far as to suggest that Djokovic delivered his best-ever performance against Sinner.
When asked about that remark, Djokovic replied: “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, doesn’t get better than this.”
The 36-year-old also spoke about his mindset at this stage of his career and where he finds motivation.
“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 more difficult for me to motivate myself and ask myself questions.
“What is it that I’m looking for from myself? I was imagining really playing against Jannik and Carlos at final stages of Grand Slams this year and battling it out. And really giving it all that I have.”
Daniil Medvedev defeated Rafael Nadal in five sets earlier on Saturday to reach his fourth Australian Open final.
Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz will make history at the Australian Open
It’s a final that feels right for more than one reason, with both players standing on the verge of their own historic achievements.
Alcaraz, already holding titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, can complete his career Grand Slam with a win here.
If he does it, the 22-year-old would become the youngest man ever to accomplish the feat.
On the other side, Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles and is just one win away from standing alone at the top.
It’s a clash of youth versus experience in Melbourne, where both players might still be feeling their way back after demanding semifinal matches in tough conditions.
- READ MORE: How old were Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz when Novak Djokovic played his first Australian Open
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