Novak Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in an Australian Open semi-final on January 26. Djokovic had never faced defeat in a semi-final and remained unbeaten at Melbourne Park for six years, boasting an Open Era record of 33 matches. However, Sinner contested Djokovic's dominance and remarkably triumphed with a sensational display at the Rod Laver Arena.
In a match lasting 3 hours and 22 minutes, the 22-year-old Italian defeated Djokovic in four sets, securing his place in his first Grand Slam final. Sinner demonstrated that he is a rising star to watch, making the extraordinary Djokovic appear ordinary on the grandest stage. Notably, Sinner did not allow Djokovic a single breakpoint, showcasing his mental fortitude against one of the best returners in the sport.
Two years ago, in the Wimbledon quarter-final, Sinner held a two-sets-to-love advantage over Djokovic. However, the Serb, known for his ability to navigate challenges, managed to turn the match around and secure victory in five sets. On January 26, a more mature Sinner moved past the disappointment of missing a match point in the third-set tie-breaker against Djokovic. Maintaining composure, Sinner broke Djokovic's serve early and advanced to the final in four sets.
Sinner achieved an impressive 83% success rate on his first serve against Djokovic and committed 28 fewer unforced errors than the World No. 1, showcasing a dominant performance.
Sinner has emerged victorious against Djokovic in three of their last four encounters, which includes their meeting in the Davis Cup semi-final last year. Despite achieving the most significant win of his career, Jannik Sinner chose not to disclose the secret of defeating Novak Djokovic on a court where the latter seldom faces defeat.
"I don't know. ask him," Sinner said, cracking up the crowd when asked how he managed to beat Djokovic in 3 of their last 4 meetings.
"I think we play really similarly. Taking to return as many balls as possible. he's an incredible server. I tried to guess some of the time. Trying to get him to move around. I'm not going to tell you the tactics," he added.
'DJOKOVIC WASN'T FEELING GREAT'
Sinner, who experienced losing a set for the first time at Melbourne Park this year on January 26, shared insights into how he tackled his most significant challenge.
Throughout the match, Sinner maintained unwavering focus, ensuring his momentum against Djokovic never wavered. He efficiently secured the first two sets in just over an hour, preventing Djokovic from orchestrating another sensational comeback.
"It was a very tough match. I started well. He missed for 2 sets. I felt like he wasn't feeling great. I tried to keep pushing. In set 3 I had a match point but I missed a forehand. This is tennis. I tried to be ready for the next set which I started really well. The atmosphere was so great. I was looking forward to this match. It's always nice to have this kind of player who you can learn from. I lost last year in the semis of Wimbledon. I learned a lot from that," Sinner added.
Sinner will face the winner of the second semi-final between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev in the summit clash at the Rod Laver Arena on January 28.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
NZ vs SA: Kane Williamson headlines New Zealand's strong 14-member squad for Test series against South Africa
ILT20: David Warner's Dubai Capitals pull off big run chase with ease, 21-year-old Aussie sensation plunders 4 sixes and 3 fours in 17 balls
