Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:54 p.m. / Updated Friday, January 30, 2026, 4:54 p.m.
Novak Djokovic (38 years old, 4 ATP) managed an epic match in the semi-final of the Australian Open, against Jannik Sinner (24 years old, 2 ATP), and after the match that lasted over 4 hours, he drew the first conclusions, directly from the court, at the end of an absolutely fabulous game, in which he resisted and prevailed against an opponent 14 years younger.
After an extremely demanding match, in which he came back twice, leading at 1-0 and 2-1, Djokovic triumphed in the deciding set and will fight for his 25th career Grand Slam trophy against Carlos Alcaraz (22, 1 ATP).
At the end he was at a loss for words, extremely emotional, thanked the crowd for their support and now just hopes to make a full recovery by Sunday's grand final so he can keep pace with the world leader.
Novak Djokvoic's reaction after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Open final
“I'm at a loss for words to be honest. Oh my God, it's surreal to be honest. I played for over 4 hours, I remember the final with Rafa in 2012 for over 6 hours. The level, intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high, now the only chance for me to get the victory.
I have great respect for today's opponent, he caught me with my last reserves of energy, he put my back against the wall. It's tennis legends sitting here late at night, Margaret Court, thank you all for your support, it's been an unbelievable atmosphere.
I love your personality year after year, it's like you always come up with something new, but to be honest I think it was the most intense night here in Australia on Rod Laver. I was wrong (not about what he said last year about the rivalry with Sinner and Alcaraz), I just said it would be hard for me, not impossible. I told myself that I had to search and find that level to be on the same level as them.
It was a super match (not about the other semi-final), a match hard to describe, with quality and intensity, I would also like it, the boys are formidable, but I am also with them because I played there.
I want 10% of the money on tickets sold, I want to sleep, let's see what will happen in the final. Sunday's victory will mean exactly what it meant now, I want to recover, to recover physically, my desire is to have enough gas in the tank, that's all I want for the final”, said Novak Djokovic, after the match, on the Eurosport microphone.
