Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic stunned by Jannik Sinner in ...
Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open title defence is over after a stunning four-sets defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Djokovic had been unbeaten at the Australian Open since 2018 and was on a 33-match winning run in Melbourne but Sinner advanced to his first grand slam final with a remarkable 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 victory against the 10-time champion.
Djokovic was bidding for a 25th grand slam title this week but in Sinner, the 36-year-old faced a player who had beaten him in two of their previous three meetings at the end of last season. The 22-year-old Italian dominated the opening exchanges to blitz an out-of-sorts Djokovic in two one-sided sets.
The third set was closer and Djokovic threatened the comeback after saving a match point to clinch the tiebreak. But Sinner responded to force the most uncharacteristic of games from Djokovic, with the Serbian being broken from 40-0 up midway through the fourth set. Sinner’s excellent serve stayed strong down the stretch to close out a historic victory.
In the other semi-final, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev renew their rivalry as they meet at a grand slam for the first time. Zverev produced a sensational performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz while Medvedev required another five-set epic to outlast Hubert Hurkacz. Zverev has faced off-court scrutiny regarding his forthcoming domestic abuse trial – he denies the allegations - and is bidding to reach his first Australian Open final.
Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open below:
Australian Open LIVE: Latest updates and scoresAustralian Open men’s semi-finals underway with two blockbuster matches
Novak Djokovic beaten by Jannik Sinner in Australian Open semi-finals
MATCH! Sinner serves out incredible victory to end Djokovic’s Australian Open run
REPORT: Sinner flips Djokovic’s world upside down in Australian Open shock
Sinner to face Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final
Aryna Sabalenka to face first-time finalist Qinwen Zheng in women’s final tomorrow
Australian Open LIVE08:15 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s been quite the morning already and we still have plenty to come: so, will it be Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev who Jannik Sinner faces in the Australian Open final?
Either way, it’s set to be a new grand slam final line-up.
Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev start time: When is Australian Open semi-final?
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner08:08 , Jamie Braidwood
For the best part of the past 16 years, the Australian Open and the Rod Laver Arena has stood as Novak Djokovic’s impenetrable fortress from which he has built a record-breaking dominance over his sport. With a 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, Djokovic entered his 11th Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner knowing he had always gone on to win the tournament after reaching this stage of the fortnight.
That record is now over. In a stunning upset, the 22-year-old Sinner claimed what is by far the biggest win of his burgeoning career to reach his first grand slam final. Given Sinner’s form at the Australian Open and his recent record against Djokovic, with wins in two of their previous three meetings, the Italian was tipped to push the 36-year-old close. But Sinner produced the unthinkable: first a landslide and then a utterly dominant 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-4 victory that brought Djokovic’s first defeat at the Australian Open since 2018 - 2,195 days ago.
Sinner will face either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev for his first grand slam title on Sunday but Djokovic’s entire year went up in smoke in the wreckage he left behind. The World No 1 was aiming to win his 25th grand slam title in Melbourne and he will have more chances to claim that record, but the opportunity to make one final assault at the ‘golden slam’ of all four majors and the Olympics in a single year is already over. And with Sinner now firmly elevating himself above his peers alongside Carlos Alcaraz as a worthy contender for the biggest titles, Djokovic will know the challenge to stay at the top is tougher than ever before.
Report:
Jannik Sinner flips Novak Djokovic’s world upside down in Australian Open shock
07:40 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
Sinner now has wins in three out of his last four wins against Djokovic.
His reaction after winning match point was telling: cool and collected, Sinner looked straight ahead to Sunday.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:27 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
THE MOMENT! Awesome from Sinner.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:26 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
Sinner ahead of his fist grand slam final, where he will play either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev:
“I don’t know what to say really. The confidence from the end of last year has kept the belief that I can play the best players in the world. I’ll go into Sunday with a smile and I’ll try my best.”
“I’ll watch the other semi-final for sure. They are incredible players and I’m a tennis fan! Hopefully it will be a great match and we’ll see what comes on Sunday.”
(Getty Images)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:22 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
Here’s Jannik Sinner.
“It was a very, very tough match. I started off well for two sets and I felt he was not feeling great on court so I kept pushing. Then in the third set I had match point and missed the forehand, but this is tennis. I tried to get ready for the next set. I was looking forward to this match: it’s nice to have this kind of player who you can learn from. I learned a lot from Wimbledon (where Sinner lost to Djokovic in straight-sets in the semi-finals).
Sinner is asked how he has now beaten Djokovic in three of the last four matches:
“I don’t know - ask him! I think we play similar. He’s an incredible server but I tried to push and move him around the court, I’m not going to tell you the tactics. I have the feeling I’m going to play him a couple more matches. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:17 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
Djokovic departs the Rod Laver Arena to a standing ovation. It’s the first time he’s ever lost a semi-final in Melbourne.
There will not be a 25th grand slam title this month. And that dream of the golden slam goes up in smoke as well.
But it’s been an incredible run from the 10-time champion.
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:14 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
There’s a warm exchange between Sinner and Djokovic at the net! Plenty of respect between the players.
On match point, Sinner raised his arms aloft - but that is a cool celebration for such a historic victory.
He’s into his first grand slam final and becomes the first player to beat Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2195 days.
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:10 , Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic
UNREAL JANNIK SINNER!!!!!!!!!
A THUMPING FOREHAND WINNER! And Sinner claims the biggest win of his life!
Djokovic’s 33-match winning run at the Australian Open is OVER!
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:07 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 3-5 Sinner
Ooooh. Sinner finds a big first serve but Djokovic gets the return in play and Sinner cracks a backhand into the net!
0-15! HUGE serve from Sinner! Massive! He puts away the forehand winner. 15-15.
Oooooh. Nerves again. A double fault from Sinner this time! And now it’s 15-30.
ACE! What a response. Sinner finds the serve out wide again. CLEAN. 30-30.
DJOKOVIC GOES LONG ON THE RETURN! Another MATCH POINT! 40-30.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 3-5 Sinner*
Djokovic puts away two forehand winners in a row to hold to love.
Over to you, Jannik Sinner. Can you close out the biggest win of your life?
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:02 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 2-5 Sinner
This is just so, so impressive from Sinner. Even Djokovic is applauding as he works his way around the court before putting Djokovic away.
Love hold. Wow. He comes into the net and shows excellent aggressive play to dispatch the volley.
ONE GAME AWAY.
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner07:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 2-4 Sinner*
Djokovic holds and now needs an answer to Sinner’s serving. Quickly.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:55 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-4 Sinner
Sinner survives a nervy game while still not seeing a break point point! His serve stays strong, especially out wide, and he holds on to get the hold.
Two games away. Wow.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:50 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-3 Sinner
Sinner has not been broken all match, or faced a break point.
And the Italian makes a confident start as he covers the cover superbly and forces the error from Djokovic on the drop shot!
30-0. Crushing forehand winner from Djokovic down the line.
Now Djokovic steps up the power on his backhand side! 30-30.
Sinner hangs on behind the second-serve. 40-30. But then Djokovic plants a return onto the baseline and Sinner nets! Deuce. Djokovic has rarely been this far into a Sinner service game.
That’s a brilliant second serve from Sinner - and he follows it up with the forehand winner! Djokovic is hanging on, though, great depth again from Djokovic and it’s back to deuce.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-3 Sinner - Sinner breaks!
Remarkable... Sinner claws his way back from 40-0 after putting a wonderful angled volley past Djokovic at the net.
Suddenly it’s deuce... and Djokovic double faults!
Break point! From 40-0 up??
Djokovic goes long on the backhand!!
Unbelievable! I don’t think anyone saw that coming!
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:40 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-2 Sinner
Sinner chaks off another strong hold as he pairs a first-serve with a drive volley. There’s a shadow now gradually creeping its way across the Rod Laver Arena court - as we approach the fourth hour of the contest.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-1 Sinner*
An early chance for Sinner! Djokovic slumps a grounstroke into the net before Sinner slides in to steer a passing shot down the line and move to 0-30.
Djokovic finds a first serve but, just like in the first two sets, Sinner takes charge in the rally. Djokovic goes long!
Two break points: it’s great defence from Sinner but Djokovic finds a way through at last on the forehand.
One more break point: Ace Djokovic!
He can’t get out of danger, though, Djokovic slides and puts another shot into the net and it’s another break point for Sinner.
Another good serve from Djokovic - Sinner can’t reply out wide. The champion is serving much better now.
Great depth from Djokovic on the forehand - Sinner’s backhand coughs up another error, and that’s a big hold.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:29 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 0-1 Sinner
Sinner won 89% of his first-serve points in the third set and is still to face a break point in the match. He again holds serve comfortably to start the fourth.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 Sinner*
Djokovic went off court and took a long break before the start of the fourth.
It’s a different match now... Sinner will serve to start.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 Sinner - Djokovic wins third set!
Now Djokovic presses the Sinner backhand... he comes into the net and Sinner has the angle for the pass, but he goes just wide! 7-6 and set point Djokovic.
Sinner blinks! His backhand goes long and Djokovic is right back in this! He wins the tiebreak and takes a 76-minute third set to stay alive!
Djokovic raises his fist to the crowd! He knows the match has only just begun.
(Getty Images)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!
Incredible recovery from Sinner! He was pushed wide by Djokovic’s forehand but covered the angle so well and fought his way back into the rally on the backhand! Suddenly it’s 4-4.
And now Sinner takes charge! Djokovic leaves a ball short and Sinner steps in to power the forehand away! He leads 5-4 with two serves to come!
Sinner presses into the net... will this be match point? No! Djokovic produces the forehand lob and it drops inside the baseline!
5-5! HUGE SERVE from Sinner and he has MATCH POINT! 6-5. Djokovic’s serve, though.
DJOKOVIC SAVES! Sinner pressed on Djokovic’s backhand but then Djokovic finds good depth and Sinner nets!
6-6!
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!
Oooh. That’s nervy again from Sinner on the backhand! He finds the net and Djokovic gets the mini-break to lead 2-0 in the tiebreak.
Sinner finds the big first serve and then produces an excellent return to jam up Djokovic at the back of the court. Mini-break retrieved.
Forehand winner from Djokovic! That simply wasn’t happening in the early stages: he finds the angle to beat Sinner in the duel. 3-2.
Forehand into the net from Sinner! Djokovic has his teeth into this now. 4-2 at the change.
06:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!
Sinner’s backhand has disappeared a little in this set and a error down the line gets Djokovic to 15-15.
Sinner has been so cool in this match, though, and finds his seventh ace of the match to get back to 40-15.
Tiebreak? You bet. Sinner puts away the overhead.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner06:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-5 Sinner*
Ace from Djokovic.
He can then finally unload on his forehand and Sinner is unable to pick up the strike after Djokovic caught the net tape slightly.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*
Yeah, there’s going to be an extended pause here. Both players are going back to their chairs by the side of the court.
The fan is being helped out from the court by the medical emergency team so we’re set to continue. 5-5 and deuce...
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*
On deuce Sinner finds a wonderful return onto the baseline but Djokovic steadies to turn the rally in his favour.
He still can’t get the hold as his forehand flies long... back to deuce, and there’s a pause as there’s a medical emergency in the crowd.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*
Oh, that was a chance for Sinner! After winning the opening point of the game, Sinner had the chance to place a forehand down the line but pushed it long!
From there, Djokovic wins a gutsy point of forehand exchanges but Sinner responds with his a forehand winner.
30-30. Djokovic finds his first serve and then puts away his forehand winner! He wasn’t playing anywhere near this level in the first two sets.
But Djokovic can’t come away with the hold! He fires long on the forehand and we’re going to deuce. Huge this.
05:46 , Jamie Braidwood
* Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner
There’s a nervy forehand from Sinner into the net on the opening point but he steadies and finds the corner to catch Djokovic off balance again.
Serve out wide. Forehand winner. Impressive from Sinner.
First serve Sinner. Djokovic’s return flies long.
And that’s a very good hold from Sinner.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:43 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-4 Sinner*
Djokovic holds serve well and now Sinner will have to hold to stay in this third set. The Italian breezed through the first two sets but now we’ll see how he handles the scoreboard pressure.
He’s still yet to face a break point, or drop a set this tournament.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:39 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 4-4 Sinner
Sinner continues to hold firm behind serve and on the baseline. Djokovic is starting to have some more back-and-forth with his box now as we enter the crucial stages of the third set. Sinner is two games away from a stunning upset.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 4-3 Sinner*
Djokovic slams his second ace of the match up the middle to edge back ahead. After an hour and 45 minutes, he’s back in this match.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:30 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 3-3 Sinner
Impressive serving from Sinner as the 22-year-old holds to love. He’s won seven of seven first-serve points in this set.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 3-2 Sinner*
Djokovic is ticking off the service games and it’s Sinner having to answer the questions in this third set. It’s definitely more of a contest now.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:24 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 2-2 Sinner
Signs of life? It’s a rarity to see Djokovic win a baseline rally but he does so to get to 0-30 on Sinner’s serve as the Italian nets on the forehand.
Ace from Sinner! And that is a stunning backhand approach down the line from Sinner! Brave attacking play and he’s back to 30-30.
That’s another big miss from Djokovic and he slumps a backhand long on 30-30 and then Djokovic nets again on the forehand! Big hold from Sinner.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 2-1 Sinner*
If Djokovic is to find a way back into this, bookmark that hold at the start of the third. He holds again, a simpler game this time.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:15 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 1-1 Sinner
Another love-hold from Sinner. All the battling Djokovic is doing is on his own service games.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 1-0 Sinner*
Again, Djokovic looks heavy and out of sorts as his forehand finds the net and Sinner gets a look at 15-30.
Sinner has broken Djokovic in the opening game of both sets, can he do so again at the start of the third?
Wow - Sinner pressed for that but Djokovic wins a 23-shot rally to stay alive! Sinner nets on the backhand down the line.
There are some signs of life on the other side of the court, and yet...
Sinner controls the next point and Djokovic’s drop shot is pushed back down the line by Sinner to get to break point!
Djokovic inches from the ace... and he hangs on as he pushes Sinner deep and the Italian nets on the backhand crosscourt!
Deuce.
And that’s a huge hold from Djokovic - his best game of the match so far as he recovers Sinner’s backhand down the line, works his way back into the point and meets Sinner’s drop shot with a lovely touch.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 Sinner - Sinner wins second set!
This is the second-worst start Djokovic has ever made to a match at a grand slam. He has won just three games! He won two against Nadal in the 2020 French Open final.
It’s only been an hour and 13 minutes but Sinner is a set away from the biggest win of his life and one of the biggest upsets in Australian Open history.
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner05:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-6 Sinner - Sinner wins second set!
For the first time in the match, Djokovic gets his nose into a Sinner service game at 0-30.
But the string of errors continues from Djokovic and two in a row in the rallies gets Sinner to two set points.
Djokovic digs in and blasts a forehand into the corner that Sinner can’t keep in play, but his return on deuce drifts long and it’s second set point.
First serve from Sinner... and Djokovic nets!
STUNNING! Jannik Sinner leads Novak Djokovic by two sets... 6-1 6-2.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-5 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!
Once again, Djokovic faces 0-30 on serve, making a double fault on th opening point as Sinner presses for the double break.
Djokovic, though, finds some good serving to get out of trouble and wins a baseline rally after a rare forehand error from Sinner.
But Sinner sticks in and forces the latest miss from Djokovic as he net on the forehand...
Break point: and the point of the match from Djokovic so far! He withstands Sinner’s pressure and turns defence into attack to put away the forehand winner!
It gets his fans on their feet and Djokovic raises his arms... but he can’t get the hold and a lob drifts long of the baseline to bring up a secodnd break point.
Unbelievable... Djokovic goes long on the forehand! Sinner gets the second break and surely the set?!
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:47 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 2-4 Sinner
Another love-hold for Sinner. At this rate, the second set is going to slip away from Djokovic pretty quickly.
Just remarkable.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:43 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 2-3 Sinner*
Djokovic’s serve is at least coming to life now midway through this second set. It was all over the place in the opener but he’s finding his usual spots now. He holds pretty comfortably.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:41 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 1-3 Sinner
Sinner holds to love and Djokovic is still yet to make an inroad in a single return game. Sinner has only dropped seven points on serve this match.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 1-2 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!
... what is happening?! Sinner moves inside the baseline to put away the forehand winner from midcourt, getting to 15-30, before Djokovic slumps a backhand into the net.
Two break points... and the Sinner return catches Djokovic off balance! Djokovic’s backhand drifts wide!
Sinner has the set and the break!
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:33 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-6 1-1 Sinner
Djokovic finds an excellent forehand winner down the line as he, for the first time really, is able to match Sinner from the baseline. The Italian is still able to get the hold as he comes through a 16-shot rally and then thumps a strong first serve out wide. He’s still yet to face a pressure point on serve.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 1-0 Sinner*
Djokovic holds to love to start the second set, as the 10-time champion looks to get himself back into the match.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* - Sinner wins the first set!
Also, some of the worst stats from Djokovic that you will ever see.
43% first serve, 15 unforced errors vs 5 winners... 0 break points.
Djokovic is looking very subdued too.
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* - Sinner wins the first set!
That’s remarkable. A completely one-sided first set goes the way of Jannik Sinner and you’ve got to say Novak Djokovic’s title defence is under real threat now.
Sinner is taking control of pretty much every rally and Djokovic is struggling to match the Italian’s hitting from the baseline. Remarkable.
Sinner takes the second at the second opportunity as he lands a first serve and the forehand strike. Djokovic floats the return long.
A 35-minute opening set. A landslide.
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-5 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!
My goodness... another 0-30 start for Djokovic on serve, beginning with his second double fault of the match before a forehand goes long (11 unforced errors now).
Djokovic comes into the net as he presses the forehand down the line but Sinner somehow steadies on the backhand to stay in the point... before Djokovic is unable to put him away!
The volley drifts wide and Sinner has two break points: Sinner leaps to get the backhand return in play... but... what... Djokovic goes long on the backhand from midcourt!
Sinner gets the double break and will serve for the set as the errors continue from Djokovic! That’s 13 already in six games.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner04:14 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 1-4 Sinner
The first real sign of hesistancy from Sinner as his drop shot from inside the baseline doesn’t clear the net cord, but he puts it behind him with another excellent forehand angle that sends Djokovic wide.
Djokovic wins an exchange at the net to put a smash away but Sinner finds his second ace of the match on the next point to hold.
04:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 1-3 Sinner*
Djokovic gets off to a solid start on serve as Sinner makes his first couple of errors on his backhand side.
But Djokovic is looking uncharacteristically unsteady in the rallies and Sinner storms back as Djokovic makes three unforced errors in a row - almost as if he is pushing for too much!
Break point: but that’s a good serve from Djokovic, finding his spot up the middle, and he puts away the forehand winner.
Deuce.
Wonderful from Djokovic - putting away an excellent volley at the net with soft hands. On the second deuce, Sinner puts his backhand into the net and Djokovic holds to get on the board.
Nine unforced errors already from the champion.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:58 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 0-3 Sinner
Djokovic has made five unforced errors already. Sinner hasn’t made one.
And that continues as Sinner holds to 15 to move further ahead in this opening set.
The 22-year-old has started extremely well on serve as well as in the rallies.
(Getty Images)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 0-2 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!
Oof. Djokovic goes long on the opening point and then makes a double fault. 0-30 already for Sinner.
Djokovic then finds the line with the forehand and follows in to put away the smash - before picking his spot on serve to get back to 30-30.
Wow - Sinner finds an incredible angle after reaching a forehand out wide and Djokovic can’t respond as he finds the net!
Break point: and that’s so good from Sinner! The Italian takes charge behind his backhand as Djokovic tries to defend the forehand down the line!
Sinner puts away the drive volley and takes the opening break! Some start.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:51 , Jamie Braidwood
*Djokovic 0-1 Sinner
There’s a very high quality rally to start, with Sinner attacking from the off on his crisp backhand wing. Djokovic works his way into the rally well and Sinner nets on the backhand, before Djokovic makes three consecutive errors on baseline rally balls.
A strong first serve and forehand crosscourt from Sinner and Djokovic nets from wide. An assured start from the Italian.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:42 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic 0-0 Sinner*
Novak Djokovic wins the toss and will receive first to start this match.
It’s Djokovic’s 48th grand slam semi-final, it’s only Sinner’s second.
*denotes next server
(REUTERS)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:39 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Jannik Sinner leads Novak Djokovic down the walk of champions before coming out onto Rod Laver Arena.
The Italian will have walked past Djokovic’s sign and the list of his 10 Australian Open titles - he has never lost a semi-final and has won the tournament whenever he has reached this stage. That’s the size of the task facing Sinner today.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic struggled with the Melbourne heat in his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz, which was also played during the day session.
But the 10-time champion will be pleased to see it’s a lot cooler today.
Both players are still just warming up in the match gym before coming out onto the Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic’s route to Australian Open semi-finals:
1st round: vs Dino Prizmic (Q) - won 6-2 6-7 6-3 6-3
2nd round: vs Alexei Popyrin - won 6-3 4-6 7-6 6-3
3rd round: vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry (30) -won 6-3 6-3 7-6
4th round: vs Adrian Mannarino (20) - won 6-0 6-0 6-3
Quarter-finals: vs Taylor Fritz (12) - won 7-6 4-6 6-2 6-3
(AP)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner03:08 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic has won 33 matches in a row at the Australian Open and has never lost a semi-final as he targets a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne.
On his streak:”If there is any tournament where I’m going to dig deep, it’s the Grand Slam, right? Particularly here where, you know, I’m aware of the streak that I’m on and the amount of matches that I have won in my career on the Rod Laver Arena. I don’t want to let that go. The longer the streak goes, the more that kind of confidence, also expectations built, but also the willingness to really walk the extra mile, so to say. Yeah, I just love playing in this court. It’s been “the” court for me in my career.”
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner faces moment of truth against Novak Djokovic in Australian Open semi-finals
In November, Jannik Sinner faced three match points against Novak Djokovic with Italy’s Davis Cup hopes on the line. Defeat would have spelled the end in the semi-finals, and with Djokovic looming over the baseline, primed for his next return, Sinner stared at a near-impossible task. Instead, the 22-year-old held firm. He saved all three match points behind brave serving and a rock-solid backhand, denying Djokovic. Sinner went on to claim his second victory against the world No 1 in as many weeks, following his win in the group stages of the ATP Finals.
It may have just been one game and one hold from 0-40 down, but that five-minute spell in Malaga at the end of last season may prove transformative in the young career of Sinner. The Italian not only survived but steered his nation past Serbia and into the Davis Cup final, where he again won the decisive match against Australia to lift the trophy. On Friday, in the Australian Open semi-finals, the Italian will face Djokovic for the fourth time in three months as he aims to reach his first grand slam final. Sinner has won two of their last three matches and, this time, the odds are considerably shorter than when Djokovic held those match points.
Preview
Jannik Sinner faces moment of truth against Novak Djokovic at Australian Open
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner’s route to Australian Open semi-finals:
1st round: vs Botic van de Zandschulp - won 6-4 7-5 6-3
2nd round: vs Jesper de Jong (Q) - won 6-2 6-2 6-2
3rd round: vs Sebastian Baez (26) - won 6-0 6-1 6-3
4th round: vs Karen Khachanov (15) - won 6-4 7-5 6-3
5th round: vs Andrey Rublev (5) - won 6-4 7-6 6-3
(Getty Images)
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner on facing Novak Djokovic:
“This is what I practise for, to play against the best players in the world. Obviously he has an incredible record here, so for me it’s a pleasure to play against him, especially in the final stages of the tournament where things are a little bit more interesting.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be tough. This, I know. I will control the controllable, which is giving 100 per cent, having the right attitude, fighting for every ball. And then we see the outcome. More than this, I cannot do. It doesn’t really matter who my opponent is.”
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner head-to-head
2023 Davis Cup: Sinner 6-2, 2-6, 7-5
2023 Tour Finals: Djokovic 6-3 6-3
2023 Tour Finals: Sinner 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2)
2023 Wimbledon: Djokovic 6-3 6-4 7-6(4)
2022 Wimbledon: Djokovic 5-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-2
2021 Monte Carlo: Djokovic 6-4 6-2
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Australian Open order of play – Thursday 25 January(all times UK / GMT)Rod Laver Arena
From 3:30am
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
From 8:30am
Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:03 , Jamie Braidwood
How can I watch it?
You can watch the Australian Open live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the UK. The action will be broadcast on Eurosport’s TV channels, or fans can tune into Discovery+ to stream the tournament, where an Entertainment & Sport pass is available for either £6.99/month or £59.99/year.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner02:02 , Jamie Braidwood
When is Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner?
The Australian Open men’s semi-finals are being played on Friday 26 January. Djokovic vs Sinner will be the first match on Rod Laver Arena and will start from 3:30am GMT (UK time).
It will be followed by the second semi-final between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, which will start from 8:30am GMT.
Good morning - it’s early02:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic faces the toughest test of his Australian Open title defence so far as the 10-time champion takes on fourth seed Jannik Sinner in a mouthwatering semi-final clash. Djokovic has never lost an Australian Open semi-final, winning every tournament in which he has reached the final four, but Sinner comes into the clash in red-hot form.
The Italian has not dropped a set so far and has won two of his previous three meetings against Djokovic, including in sensational fashion in the Davis Cup semi-finals in September. Djokovic thrashed Sinner in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-finals last season but the 22-year-old has made significant improvements to his game and Melbourne Park could be set for a classic.
In the other semi-final, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev renew their rivalry as they meet at a grand slam for the first time. Zverev produced a sensational performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz while Medvedev required another five-set epic to outlast Hubert Hurkacz. Zverev has faced off-court scrutiny regarding his forthcoming domestic abuse trial – he denies the allegations - and is bidding to reach his first Australian Open final.
Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open in today’s live blog:
