Jannik Sinner knocks down Novak Djokovic and advances to his first Grand Slam final

The Italian produced a high-level match to take the best in four sets over the world number 1, defending champion in Melbourne.

Sensation in Melbourne! World number 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after his defeat in four sets against his new beast nemesis, Jannik Sinner (6-1, 6-2, 6-7 [8-6], 6-3), Friday January 26. Swept by the Italian in the first two sets, completed in one hour and fifteen minutes, Novak Djokovic seemed far from his best level, despite a return to form and a little more resistance to snatch the third set after saving a ball match.

Jannik Sinner, who made a remarkable start to the game and who knew how to keep a cool head throughout the game, won one of the greatest victories of his career. At 22, he will play his first Grand Slam final against Alexander Zverev or Daniil Medvedev, a final which will crown an unprecedented winner in Australia.

A Sinner of great days

The Italian was perhaps the player best able to annoy Novak Djokovic in his garden, where he has won ten times since 2008. Falling twice against the Serbian in the second part of the season 2023 (in the group stage of the Masters and in the Davis Cup), Jannik Sinner delivered a top performance on the court of the Rod Laver Arena. “I started very well, he missed a lot during two sets, I really had the feeling that he was not feeling well on the court”he reacted, all smiles, just after his victory.

After missing a first opportunity to conclude in the tie-break of the third set, on a forehand sent into the net, he did not let himself be destabilized and regained the upper hand in the fourth set. “We had to get back into it, I’m happy to have succeeded”, he whispered. Crowned with this feat, he will play the first Major final of his career on Sunday.

“One of my worst Grand Slam matches”

Opposite, Novak Djokovic missed his appointment. “I think this is one of my worst Grand Slam matches as far as I can remember. It’s not a very good feeling.”he explained at a press conference. His defeat, the first for him in the semi-final of the Australian Open, marks the end of a series of invincibility in Melbourne which had lasted for more than… six years (2018 edition).Always in search of continuing to write his name in the history of tennis, he will not win its 25th Major in Australia.