Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream Details

Jannik Sinner holds a 6-4 lead over Novak Djokovic in their head-to-head record on tour.

Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream Details

Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Danny, Jannik Sinner HQ)

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Novak Djokovic is into the semi-finals of the Australian Open after Lorenzo Musetti retired from their quarter-finals match on Wednesday (January 28) at the Rod Laver Arena. The lucky 38-year-old was already heading home before Musetti suffered an injury, which gave Djokovic a chance to face the defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Sinner is focused on defending the Australian Open title, having won it two consecutive times. Should he win it for the third time in a row, he will become the first man after Novak Djokovic to achieve that. He will face Djokovic for the third Grand Slam semi-finals in less than two years and the second time in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner: Match Details

  • Venue: Rod Laver Arena
  • Time: TBD
  • Round: Semi-finals
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
  • Date: January 30, 2026
  • Tournament: Australian Open 2026
  • Match: Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner: Match Preview

Novak Djokovic ended the 2025 season reaching the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year and won two ATP 250 titles before deciding not to play at the ATP Finals. After withdrawing from the Adelaide International, he decided to kick off his 2026 campaign at the Australian Open, beating Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.

He then went on to defeat Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 and Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). Jakub Mensik then withdrew from their fourth-round clash due to an abdominal injury, giving Djokovic a walkover to the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he was down 4-6, 3-6, 3-1 before Lorenzo Musetti decided to retire due to an injury. The Italian star had played five sets in his third-round match against Tomas Machac.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Lacoste)

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner won four of his last five tournaments on tour to wrap up the 2025 season as World No.2. Despite not featuring in any warm-up tournament leading up to the Australian Open, there wasn’t much of a concern as he kicked off his title defense with a two-set lead against Hugo Gaston, who retired in the third set.

After overcoming James Duckworth, he dropped his first set in this year’s Australian Open against Eliot Spizzirri, but Sinner responded by winning three straight sets to close out the match. The 24-year-old then went on to beat his fellow compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(3) in the fourth round. In the quarter-finals, he faced the in-form Ben Shelton and defeated the American star with ease, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, to book his place in the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner: Match Prediction

Novak Djokovic bids for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The 38-year-old will believe that luck is certainly on his side this year after Jakub Mensik withdrew from the round of 16 match, giving him a walkover, and Lorenzo Musetti retired with a right leg injury despite leading after two sets.

Jannik Sinner (3)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Djokovic has failed to win a Grand Slam since claiming the US Open in 2023. He has struggled with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have become the dominant stars in the men’s circuit. Djokovic has lost to Sinner in each of their last five meetings, including three Grand Slam semi-finals. He also leads Djokovic 6-4 in their head-to-head record, despite being down 1-4 in 2023.

Djokovic will need to bring out his best game on the court if he has to end Sinner’s 19-match winning streak at the Australian Open. Sinner is bidding to reach his sixth consecutive Grand Slam final on tour. The last time he faced Djokovic in Melbourne, he ended his 33-match winning run in January 2024 and ended the Serbian legend’s hopes of winning his 11th Australian Open.

Match Prediction: Jannik Sinner to win in five sets.

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner: Live Stream Details

  • India – SONY
  • USA – ESPN, Tennis Channel
  • UK – TNT Sports
  • Canada – TSN, RDS
  • Australia – Nine, Stan. Sports
  • New Zealand– SKY

Also Read: Lorenzo Musetti Reacts to Coming up Against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open Quarterfinals: “I Want To Win It”