Djokovic’s Melbourne dominance ends as Sinner reaches final

Saturday, 27 January 2024 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic lost at the Australian Open for the first time since 2018 as Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner reached his first Grand Slam final.

Serbia’s Djokovic, 36, lost 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 as Sinner regrouped from not taking a match point in the tie-break.

It ends Djokovic’s bid for a record-extending 11th title and a 25th major to put him clear of Margaret Court.

Sinner, 22, faces Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.

Former US Open champion Medvedev and Zverev, who is aiming for his first Grand Slam title, meet in Friday’s second semi-final at Melbourne Park.

The pair are due to walk out on to Rod Laver Arena shortly after 19:30 local time (08:30 GMT).

Sinner’s elimination of Djokovic means there will be a new name on the Australian Open men’s singles trophy.

The Serb had won 33 matches in a row in Melbourne since losing to Chung Hyeon in the fourth round six years ago.