Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after thrilling five-set win over Jannik Sinner - 'It feels surreal'

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Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open final as he beat two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling semi-final. Djokovic twice fought back from a set down and prevailed in the fifth to move a win away from a record 25th Grand Slam. Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday's final after he beat Alexander Zverev in another epic five-set clash earlier in the day in Melbourne.

Djokovic produces 'one of the performances of his life' to defeat Sinner

Video credit: TNT Sports

Novak Djokovic rolled back the years as he produced a remarkable performance to beat Jannik Sinner in five sets and reach the Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.

After Alcaraz won a five-set epic against Alexander Zverev earlier in the day, Djokovic, 38, also went the distance to upset two-time defending champion Sinner.

Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 to advance to his 11th final in Melbourne and move a win away from a record 25th Grand Slam title.

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"I’m lost for words right now to be honest," Djokovic said.

"It feels surreal to be honest...the level of intensity, the quality of tennis was extremely high, and I knew there was the only way for me to have a chance tonight against him."

Djokovic has never lost in an Australian Open final but will face a stern challenge from Alcaraz, who is bidding to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

The final will take place from 8.30am UK time on Sunday, February 1, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Djokovic has won two of his last three meetings with Alcaraz, including beating him at the Australian Open a year ago and in the final of the 2024 Olympics.

"I saw Carlos after the match and he told me I’m sorry to delay the start of your match and I told him I’m an old man, I need to go early to sleep!" said Djokovic.

"I’m looking forward to seeing him in a few days."

Djokovic had said before the semi-final that he would "fight until the last shot" and not "wave the white flag" - and he delivered on that.

Djokovic 'lost for words' after 'surreal' victory over Sinner

Video credit: TNT Sports

He couldn’t recover from falling 3-0 behind in the first set, but grew into the contest and broke to lead 3-1 in the second set.

Djokovic fended off three break points in the next game and served out the set to level the match.

The third set was tightly contested until the 10th game when Sinner got into a 0-40 lead. From there he took the set to move ahead again.

But with Sinner still not looking at the level that he had shown earlier in the tournament, Djokovic showed his fighting quality to stay in the match.

Djokovic gave a thumbs up to a brilliant lob from Sinner, but it was the 10-time champion who was on top as he roared after winning a 19-shot rally and moved 4-2 ahead.

Sinner had chances to break back but couldn’t convert, and Djokovic served out the set as the time in Melbourne ticked beyond midnight.

The level of play remarkably rose in the fifth set and Djokovic managed to fight off five break points in his first two service games, saving two in a row with winners.

'Staggering effort' from Djokovic as he forces fifth set

Video credit: TNT Sports

He continued to battle to hang in the set before getting his chance in the seventh game - and taking it.

Somehow Djokovic then held from 0-40 down in the following game to close on victory.

He missed a match point in incredible fashion as he was presented with a short ball to finish off but hit it right at Sinner.

But Djokovic took his third chance as he moved into another Melbourne final.

'What a reaction!' - Djokovic roars after winning 19-shot rally

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sinner was bidding for a third straight Australian Open title, but admitted after the match that while he "had many chances," he just could not take the ones that mattered.

"It was in the fifth set, many break points, could not use them. He came up with some great shots," the Italian told the press after the marathon match.

"I felt like the first set was a great level from both of us. It was a bit of a roller coaster, and it happened like it happened today.

"He's won 24 Grand Slams… I feel like he's the greatest player for many, many years. Of course, he's playing less tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important Grand Slams are for me, for him, for Carlos [Alcaraz], and everyone.

"Hopefully I can… take it as a kind of lesson, maybe to see what I can improve on."

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