Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic beats Jannik Sinner in 5 sets, enters 11th AO final

Novak Djokovic won an exciting match against Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open 2026 semi-final on Friday and reached the Australian Open final for the 11th time in his career.

Djokovic recovered after falling behind in two different sets to beat Sinner with a final score of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Although the second-ranked Sinner took the lead twice by winning the first and third parts of the match, the fourth-ranked Djokovic proved his skill and toughness by repeatedly fighting his way back to win.

This win marks the first time Djokovic has beaten Sinner in over two years. He is set to face the top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match, following the Spanish player’s victory over Alexander Zverev today despite dealing with physical pain.

What did Novak Djokovic say after the match?

“I can’t speak right now. It’s surreal to have played for so long and at such a high level,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview after his 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win.

“Jannik has won the last five matches against me. I thanked him at the net for at least allowing me one victory. I have huge respect for Jannik, he pushes you to your absolute limit and today he did that with me, he deserves the applause,” said the 38-year-old.

“Thank you to all of you who stayed up until late at night to watch the match. The atmosphere today was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”

Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday as he aims to win his 25th Grand Slam, setting a new record.

“I said it would be difficult to beat Sinner and Alcaraz… but not impossible!

“I have to come back and fight the no. 1 in the world. I hope I have enough gas left to go toe-to-toe against him,” he said.