Novak Djokovic denies Jannik Sinner three-peat in five-set thriller; reaches Australian Open final to face No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz

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Novak Djokovic denies Jannik Sinner three-peat in five-set thriller; reaches Australian Open final to face No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner in the frame (Images via Getty)

Story Highlights:

Alcaraz is in his maiden final in Melbourne Park and is aiming to win his first title in Australia

Djokovic was outplayed for the better part of two hours before opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, called it quits

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title continues as he reaches the Australian Open 2026 final to fix a clash against Carlos Alcaraz. The legendary tennis star defeated Jannik Sinner with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The 38-year-old Serbian scrapes through to the semi-finals in bizarre circumstances. 

Novak Djokovic denies Jannik Sinner three-peat in five-set thriller; reaches Australian Open final to face No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz

Djokovic was outplayed for the better part of two hours before opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, called it quits, inexplicably suffering a groin injury out of nowhere. Despite trying to come back from the discomfort, the Italian eventually threw in the towel and retired with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 1–3. 

Earlier, the 24-time major champion returned to action after an extended break following fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik's walkover on Sunday. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Alcaraz is coming off a 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 win against German opponent Alexander Zverev.

The Spanish star is in his maiden final in Melbourne Park and is aiming to win his first title in Australia. The player had never reached past the quarterfinals of the tournament, and he now awaits Djokovic for the battle for the title. While it will be Alcaraz's first, the Serbian player is attempting to claim his 11th in Australia. 

ALSO READ: Carlos Alcaraz stuns Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller to reach maiden Australian Open final