Jannik Sinner ended his notable Australian Open streak after 19 straight victories.
The two-time defending champion fell to Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS JANNIK SINNER IN A SEMIFINAL THRILLER 🔥
Djokovic advances to face Carlos Alcaraz for the Australian Open championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/x4M9wXPAri
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 30, 2026
The Italian entered the duel as the clear favorite, having beaten the Serb in their previous five matches. Jannik had almost all the numbers on his side and forged two advantages.
However, Djokovic denied 16 of 18 break points and prevailed to stop the clock and send world no. 2 packing. Speaking about the match, Ivan Ljubicic described it as a massive blow for Jannik.
In Ljubicic's opinion, Sinner did not expect to lost to the legend in the best-of-five encounter. However, it happened, and he will have to examine the failure with his team.
Jannik collected 12 points more than Novak, although not the crucial ones. The veteran defended the break points superbly and provided three breaks to emerge at the top and send the favorite packing.
Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
The Italian tamed his strokes nicely and fired over 70 winners. However, it was not enough to propel him over the top, despite moving a set in front two times.
The defending champion made a reliable start and claimed the first set 6-3. Djokovic responded with a break in the fourth game of the second set and denied break points to win it 6-3 and level the overall score.
Sinner saved a break point at 2-2 in the third set and broke the veteran at 5-4 to wrap up the set and move closer to the top. However, Novak refused to surrender, fighting until the end and turning the tables.
He clinched a break early in the fourth set and denied break points at 4-3 to remain in front. The ten-time winner held after a deuce at 5-4 to close the set and force a decider.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Djokovic held his composure early on and saved five break points in games two and four. Sinner experienced a massive blow in the seventh game after squandering a 40-15 lead.
He suffered a break that sent him closer to the exit door. Novak survived a challenging service game in the next one, denying three break points and moving 5-3 in front.
Djokovic served for the win at 5-4 and brought it home after the rival's backhand error, moving into the final and ending Sinner's streak of five straight Major finals.
"For Jannik, it was a tough blow to lose in the best-of-five match to Novak. He did not expect to lose, and he will have to analyze the match afterward," Ivan Ljubicic said.
