Novak Djokovic wins 5-set semifinal thriller over Jannik Sinner - ESPN

After facing questions whether he could end the dominance of men's tennis's current power duo, Novak Djokovic was able to outlast Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open.

Djokovic's 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Sinner in a match that extended past 1:30 a.m. local time in Melbourne means he will have a chance to play for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.

Awaiting Djokovic in the final: Carlos Alcaraz, who along with Sinner has won the past eight major titles. Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in another five-setter in the first semifinal, a 5-hour, 27-minute match that was the longest semifinal ever at the Australian Open.

«I think you guys got the value for the ticket,» Djokovic, 38, told the crowd of the two five-set matches, joking that he deserved 10% of the gate.

Sinner's loss was his first at the Australian Open since 2023 after claiming the trophy the past two years.

Djokovic fended off a staggering 16 of 18 break-point chances he faced as he ended a run of five straight losses to Sinner, winning in 4 hours, 9 minutes.

After Sinner's final backhand landed wide, Djokovic thrust his arms aloft before collapsing to the court in elation and exhaustion.

«I'm lost for words right now,» Djokovic said, tears in his eyes during his on-court interview. «It feels surreal, to be honest. Playing over four hours, almost 2 a.m. 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.

»… I told him at the net thanks for allowing me at least one."

Sinner's issues in long matches continued, as he fell to 0-9 in his career in matches that last more than 3 hours, 50 minutes.

Djokovic closed as a +810 underdog Sinner at