Jannik Sinner headed to Melbourne with high hopes following a brilliant closure to the previous season.
However, the two-time defending champion fell in the Australian Open semi-final to Novak Djokovic in five sets.
A complete performance.@janniksin was at his brutal, balletic and brilliant best to defeat Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-2 6-1 to set up a semifinal date with Ben Shelton.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/1a3mOeiQpq
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2025
Thus, the Italian walked off Rod Laver Arena short of his ultimate goal, the third straight trophy Down Under. However, he added another significant chapter to his rapidly growing legacy.
While failing to take his chances against Djokovic, the loss did little to dent Sinner's standing at the very top of the sport, with the 24-year-old advancing to his sixth straight Major semi-final.
The San Candido native became only the seventh player in the Open era to achieve that on the most notable scene, starting the streak at the 2024 US Open and extending it in style.
This achievement places Jannik alongside some of the most iconic names tennis has ever seen. The Italian matched legendary Bjorn Borg, who reached six straight Major semi-finals in 1980 and 1981.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Now, world no. 2 is in a great position to chase Rafael Nadal's finest mark, with the Spaniard counting seven Major semi-finals in a row in 2018 and 2019. The 24-year-old will have a chance to match the legend in Paris in June.
If he reaches the Spaniard, only Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl will stand above – legends whose consistency defined entire eras.
At 24, Jannik is producing a level of reliability usually associated with players at the peak of their prime. He shows up deep into every Major regardless of surface of conditions.
Alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner has dominated the big stage since 2024, having won four Major titles at three events. He may failed to secure his third consecutive Australian Open title, but he remains one of the players to beat.
