(Video) Novak Djokovic’s Coach in Tears After Serb Downs Jannik Sinner to Reach Australian Open Final

After five consecutive defeats, Novak Djokovic finally ended his losing streak against Jannik Sinner.

(Video) Novak Djokovic’s Coach in Tears After Serb Downs Jannik Sinner to Reach Australian Open Final

Novak Djokovic (R) beat Jannik SInner (L) to reach the Australian Ope final (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, The Tennis Letter, ATP Tour)

In the battle between the Fox and the Old Fox, this time, the latter emerged victorious. Novak Djokovic defied age to end two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner‘s campaign in the Australian Open semifinal on Friday (January 30).

The win helped the Serb improve his head-to-head record to 5-6, with this win being his first one against Sinner after five consecutive defeats. Sinner was the reason why Djokovic couldn’t reach the final of last year’s French Open and Wimbledon. Right after he won the last point of the match (Sinner’s shot went wide), Djokovic threw up his arms in the air and was visibly emotional. His coach was also in tears.

I’m lost for words right now, to be honest. Oh my God… it feels surreal to be honest. Playing 4 hours, it’s almost two a.m. Reminiscing in 2012, I played Rafa [Nadal] in the final that was six hours almost. But the level of intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win today against him. He won the last five matches against me.

Novak Djokovic said during the on-court interview

Sinner was bidding to join Djokovic in the last of men who have completed a three-peat at Melbourne Park. The defeat also ended his streak of playing every Grand Slam final since the 2024 US Open. Last year, he defended his crown in Melbourne by breezing past Alexander Zverev.

He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number tonight. But jokes aside. I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one the last couple years. I have tremendous respect for him. Incredible player, he pushes you to the limit, which is what he did tonight to me. So he deserves a great round of applause for his performance.

Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic, who won a Major back in 2023 at the US Open, reached his first Grand Slam final since the 2024 Wimbledon, where Carlos Alcaraz denied him the win. Last year, he featured in the semifinals of every Major, losing thrice to Sinner or Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner says defeat to Novak Djokovic hurts

Jannik Sinner was the heavy favorite to win his third consecutive Australian Open title. Since the 2024 season, only Carlos Alcaraz has questioned his invincibility, as the Spaniard has defeated him seven times, including four last year.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Novak Djokovic)

Sinner entered the semifinals as the clear favorite because Novak Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career and has struggled since the 2024 season not only to win titles but also to make deep runs. At the press conference after his defeat, the four-time Grand Slam champion said the defeat hurt him.

A lot, it’s very important Grand Slam for me. It can happen; it was a good match from both. I had good opportunities, but I didn’t take advantage of them. It hurts, without a doubt.

Djokovic will now be locking horns with Carlos Alcaraz for the 10th time in his career. Sunday’s match will mark their third meeting in Grand Slam finals following the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon. Djokovic holds a 5-4 head-to-head edge over the six-time Grand Slam champion and last won a Big Title by beating the youngster in the 2024 Paris Olympics final.

If Alcaraz wins, he will become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam. If Djokovic wins, he will become a 25-time Major champion as well as the 11-time winner at Melbourne Park. En route to scheduling the match against Nole, the 22-year-old knocked out Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller.

Also read: Elena Rybakina Makes Honest Admission on Controversial Coach Stefano Vukov After Reaching Australian Open Final