Novak Djokovic rolls back the years to outlast Jannik Sinner at Australian Open

The 38-year-old Serb, who hadn't won a set since the third round, started the match in slow fashion, frequently mistiming forehands and going down an early break after just a handful of minutes.

Nevertheless, after the first three games, Djokovic looked like a different playa and it was clear that the contest would be a closer affair than their most recent meetings.

He will next play six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, who also prevailed in a five-set thriller against Alexander Zverev.

"I'm lost for words right now, to be honest," he said during his on-court interview with Jim Courier.

"It feels surreal, playing over four hours, almost two AM, reminiscent of 2012 when I played Rafa (Nadal) in the finals â- that was almost six hours, but the intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high and that was the only chance I had against him.

"He had won the last five matches against me, he had my number, so I had to change my mobile number for tonight.

"Jokes aside, I told him at the net, 'thanks for allowing me to have just one of these past couple of years'.

"Respect for him, incredible player, he pushes you to the limit, which is what he did against me, so he deserves a great round of applause for his performance.

"Tonight has been one of the â- if not the best â- support for me in Australia."

Indeed, it was the Italian who had prevailed in all of their five most recent meetings, winning 10 consecutive sets heading into the match.

Sinner was also on a 20-match winning streak, after ending 2025 with three titles in-a-row, including the Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals.

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