In a thrilling comeback, Novak Djokovic has secured his spot in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final after defeating Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal marathon. The 38-year-old Serbian legend triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, silencing doubters who had prematurely called for his retirement.
Speaking to the media post-match, Djokovic reflected on the skepticism surrounding his career. ‘I’ve never lost faith in myself,’ he declared. ‘Many people doubted me, and suddenly experts wanted me to retire. I thank them for fueling my fire—they motivated me to prove them wrong. This isn’t a surprise to me.’
The path to the final wasn’t smooth. Djokovic acknowledged Sinner’s strong form, noting how the Italian benefited from Lorenzo Musetti’s injury retirement in the previous round but earned his win through sheer skill. ‘I know what I’m capable of,’ Djokovic added. ‘In Grand Slam matches, you don’t always play your best, but you find a way to win.’
Preparation was key against an opponent who’s dominated recent encounters. Djokovic emphasized clarity in strategy: ‘I went in with a clear game plan on how to execute it against Sinner, who’s playing at an elite level.’
Now, all eyes are on Sunday’s final against Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic eyes a record 25th Grand Slam title, while the young Spaniard aims for his first Australian Open crown and a career Grand Slam as the youngest ever to achieve it. This clash promises to be an epic battle between experience and youthful prowess.