Few gave Novak Djokovic a chance against Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending Australian Open champion who had owned their recent rivalry. But under the lights in Melbourne, the 38-year-old once again reminded the tennis world why writing him off has so often proved foolish. Defying expectations, Djokovic battled past Sinner in a gripping five-set semifinal, winning 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach yet another Grand Slam final.

It was a victory layered with significance. Djokovic executed his game plan to near perfection, securing his first win over Sinner in six meetings, snapping the Italian’s 20-match tour-level winning streak and his 19-match unbeaten run at the Australian Open. The triumph sends Djokovic into his 38th Grand Slam final and an 11th Australian Open final, his first Slam final since Wimbledon 2024. Against a player many believed had taken the torch, Djokovic produced what will surely go down as one of the greatest performances of his career.

The holder of 101 career titles made it clear afterward that the win carried extra meaning. He hopes it will quiet those who have doubted his longevity and level. “I never stopped doubting; I never stopped believing in myself, [but] there are a lot of people that doubt me, and there are a lot of experts, all of a sudden, that wanted to retire me, or they have retired me many times in the last couple of years,” he said, “but I want to thank them all because they gave me strength; they gave me motivation to prove them wrong, which I have tonight. For me, it's not a surprise, to be honest; I know what I'm capable of."

Djokovic was visibly emotional as he tried to sum up the match moments after sealing victory deep into the night. “I'm lost for words right now, to be honest. Uhhh... oh my god... it feels surreal, to be honest. Playing 4 hours, it's almost 2 am. Reminiscing, in 2012 I played Rafa in the final that was 6 hours, almost. But the level of intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win today against him.”

Novak Djokovic also acknowledged the challenge posed by Jannik Sinner, who had beaten him in their previous five encounters. But despite the rivalry, the Serb was full of praise for the Italian, underlining the mutual respect between the two. He spoke about how the Italian always pushes his opponents to the limits.

Now, the stage is set for a blockbuster showdown on Sunday night. When Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz walk onto Rod Laver Arena for the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final, history will be firmly in the balance. On one side stands a 38-year-old chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title and aiming to become the oldest men’s singles champion in the Open Era. On the other hand, a 22-year-old seeking his seventh major and a chance to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Asked about his next opponent, Novak Djokovic struck a respectful yet competitive tone, acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

Novak Djokovic shares thoughts about facing Carlos Alcaraz at the 2026 Australian Open final

The Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final is set to deliver a generational showdown, as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz prepare to face each other on the sport’s biggest stage. With history looming large on both sides of the net, the clash promises to be one of the most significant finals Melbourne has seen in years.

Djokovic enters the final with a 5–4 head-to-head lead over Alcaraz, although the Spaniard won their most recent meeting. The Serbian also defeated Alcaraz at the Australian Open last season in the quarterfinals, but this time the stakes are far higher. It will be Djokovic’s 11th Australian Open final, compared to Alcaraz’s first, setting up a compelling 38-year-old versus 22-year-old narrative, with both men chasing a new milestone.

Speaking after his marathon semifinal upset over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, Djokovic acknowledged the weight of history surrounding his upcoming battle with Alcaraz. “For me, also obviously, for Carlos, because of his age and everything that he was able to achieve so far, history is on the line for both of us every time we play,” the Serbian world No. 4 said.

“The finals of the Grand Slam, there's a lot at stake. I won against him last year here, also in a grueling match, so let's see how fresh are we both able to be. He also had a big, big match, but he's got about 15, 16 years on me, so biologically, I think it's gonna be a bit easier for him to recover, but I look forward to it.”

Novak Djokovic is clearly relishing the opportunity to compete on the final Sunday in Melbourne for the first time since lifting his historic 10th AO title in 2023. His victory over Sinner also helped him reach his first major final since Wimbledon 2024.

Carlos Alcaraz had gotten the better of the Serb that time in straight sets. Alcaraz will be entering this contest following his impressive win against Alexander Zverev in the SF. 

Djokovic revealed there was a lighthearted exchange between the two after the Spaniard’s match. “Yes, I saw Carlos after the match. He told me, ‘I'm sorry to delay the start of your match.’ I told him, ‘I'm an old man. I need to go earlier to sleep.’ So, I'm looking forward to seeing him in a few days.”

As he turned his attention toward the final, Novak Djokovic struck a humble yet determined tone, sending a message to his young rival. “I know I have to come back in a couple of days to fight the World No. 1. I just hope I will have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. That's my desire and then let God decide the winner!”

With legacy, age, and ambition colliding on Rod Laver Arena, the 2026 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz is shaping up to be a defining moment for both champions. Who’s your pick, though?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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