Novak Djokovic and his coveted Grand Slam No. 25 is within reach, but he will have to get past top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, who is aiming to become the youngest player in history to complete a career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the past eight major titles between them since Djokovic won his last title at the 2023 US Open.
No one knows how to win in Australia better than Djokovic, but having won all 10 of his previous appearances in finals, hoisting the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup aloft at Melbourne Park, his first major trophy in 2008, would be a fitting culmination of his 20-year career at the top.
Djokovic defeated two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets in the semifinals on Friday, finally defeating one of the two players standing in his way to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title.
“I never stopped doubting,” the Serbian told the media near 3 a.m. in the bowels of Rod Laver Arena.
“I never stopped believing in myself. There are a lot of people who doubt me. All of a sudden, it seems like there are a lot of experts who tried to retire me or have retired me many times over the last few years.
“I want to thank all of them because they gave me strength. They gave me the motivation to prove them wrong.”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz had to overcome a grueling five sets of his own as he fended off Alexander Zverev in a match that lasted five hours and 27 minutes, making it the longest semi-final in Australian Open history.
“It feels unreal,” Djokovic said of the win. “Honestly, I feel like I already won tonight. I know I have to come back and fight the No. 1 in the world. I just need to have enough gas to go toe-to-toe with him.”
“That’s my wish. Let God decide the winner.”
Recording on the line
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Novak Djokovic admits Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are too strong for No. 5, but vows to continue fighting for a Grand Slam after withdrawing from the US Open
By defeating Sinner and breaking Ken Rosewall’s record for being the oldest player to reach a final, Djokovic could once again surpass the Australian as the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title.
But he may need all the support he can get at Rod Laver Arena as he aims to climb Mount Everest again against world No. 1 Alcaraz.
Alcaraz, who has won two trophies each at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, would become the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam if he beats Djokovic, overtaking Don Budge, who won the 1938 French Open two days before his 23rd birthday.
He also became the first male player under the age of 23 to win seven Grand Slams, a record Djokovic did not achieve until he was 27 years old.
Alcaraz, who faces a man who will turn 39 in a few months, should be ready for a long fight.
Boasting incredible athleticism and perhaps the purest shot-making in the game, he will believe his talent will get the job done.
But try saying that to 24-year-old Sinner. His hopes of winning a fifth Grand Slam title were dashed when Djokovic hit him from the baseline.
This is truly one of Djokovic’s greatest feats, and if he can defeat Alcaraz, it will be one of the most remarkable sports stories of all time.
“Every time we play, history is at stake for both of us,” added Djokovic, who has won each of the past 10 finals at Melbourne Park.
“There’s a lot at stake in a Grand Slam final, but it’s no different than any other big match I play. My preparation has been good and I beat him here last year in a tough match as well.
“Let’s see how fresh we both can be. He had a big game too, but I’ve got 15, 16 years. Biologically, I think it’s a little easier for him to recover.”
“But I’m looking forward to it. I mainly play tennis competitively to reach Grand Slam finals. I’m here, so I can’t complain about anything.”
direct confrontation
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Highlights of the US Open semi-final match between Alcaraz and Djokovic
Djokovic has won five of the past nine meetings, including the last Olympic final in 2024, while Alcaraz won both Slam finals at Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024.
A very interesting spectator will be Rafael Nadal, who is returning to the Australian Open for the first time since retiring just a year ago.
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Sky Sports’ tennis team looks at why Djokovic struggled against Alcaraz at the US Open.
He wasn’t surprised to see Djokovic still competing away, saying, “If you want to do this and you’re not injured and you’re not extremely mentally exhausted, why wouldn’t you be here?
“I think this is a great example of dedication and resilience. Novak, he’s not in his prime for obvious reasons, but he’s still very competitive at an age where it’s hard to be competitive. So, the utmost respect.”
But Nadal admitted he could not root for his arch-rival against the Spaniard’s successor, adding: “If Novak wins, I will be happy for him, because what he is doing at this stage of his career is great.”
“So I’ll be happy. But if I have to support someone, I think I have to support Carlos.”
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