Novak Djokovic stunned reigning champion Jannik Sinner to set up a mouthwatering Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, 38, came through 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 in a second thrilling five-set semi-final of the day.
He is the oldest man in the open era to reach the final, and he battled for four hours and nine minutes to do so, finally clinching victory just after 1.30am local time.
The veteran is looking for a record-extending 11th Melbourne Park title and 25th Grand Slam overall, while Alcaraz will become the youngest man to win all four Slams should he win.
Alcaraz was struggling with an injury from the third set of his match earlier on Friday before beating Alexander Zverez 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-7 7-5.
Sinner was the champion in Austrtalia in each of the past two years but had no answer to Djokovic’s consistency.
Djokovic had not played a five-setter since the French Open in 2024 but his level remained extraordinarily high throughout.
Djokovic said: “I’m lost for words right now. It feels surreal to be honest. Playing over four hours, almost 2am. The level of intensity and the quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win tonight.
“He beat me the last five times. He had my mobile number so I had to change my number for tonight. I told him at the net thanks for allowing me at least one.
“It already feels like winning but I know I have to come back and fight the number one in the world in a couple of days. I just hope I’ll have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him.”
