Novak Djokovic becomes oldest man to reach Australian Open final in professional era
Novak Djokovic channelled his halcyon days in a five-set classic to dethrone Jannik Sinner and become the oldest man to reach the Australian Open final in the professional era at a rocking Rod Laver Arena.
Four months before his 39th birthday, Djokovic showed he remains unbeatable on his day as he sent the double defending champion packing with a 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 win completed in the early hours of Saturday morning.“It feels surreal to be honest playing over four hours,” Djokovic said on court.“The level of intensity and quality was high and that was the only way to have a chance to win. “He won the last five matches against me, he had my mobile number, so I had to change my number tonight. “Jokes aside I said at the net: ’Thanks for allowing me at least one’. Tremendous respect, an incredible player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves applause for his performance.”MARTIN KEEP/AFP/Getty Images Djokovic will meet world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, the Spaniard having fought off Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semi-final. Eighteen years after his first Melbourne crown, Djokovic will strive for a record-extending 11th against Alcaraz and the unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title that has eluded him. Djokovic needed incredible fortune to reach the semi-finals, with his quarter-final opponent Lorenzo Musetti retiring injured after taking the first two sets.But it was hard work and mental toughness that got Djokovic over the line against Sinner, a player who had beaten him in their previous five matches.Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. They will meet in the Australian Open Men’s Final on Feb. 1.He had to save a slew of break points in the decisive set before finally getting a look at Sinner’s serve at 3-3. Flooring the Italian in three punishing rallies, the Serb broke him to lead 4-3, raised one fist and threw an icy stare at his player’s box. Djokovic had to save another three break points in the next service game but sent Serbian fans into delirium when he survived them all and held with an ace. Serving for the match at 5-4, Djokovic summoned the grit and champion spirit of 20 years at the top, setting up two match points with a forehand winner down the line. Sinner saved both but finally fired a backhand wide to concede, leaving Djokovic to throw away his racket, get down on his knees and cross his chest in thanks to the tennis gods.
Canada News Breaking News Video Canadian Breaking News Breaking News Globe And Mail Breaking News Globe And Mail Canada News Photos World News Local News National News Us News Foreign News Sports News Arts News Life News Lifestyle Canada Traffic Canada Weather Trudeau Government Federal Government Canada Sports Canada Sports News Politics Politics News Political News Political Opinion Environment Economy Technology Education Travel Canada Alberta Bc British Columbia Manitoba Ontario Quebec Nova Scotia Pei New Brunswick Newfoundland And Labrador Nunavut Northwest Territories Yukon Globe And Mail
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alcaraz and Djokovic to meet in Australian Open final after epic semifinal winsCarlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will meet in the Australian Open final after each came through epic, momentum-swinging, five-set semifinals on Friday.
Read more »
Alcaraz and Djokovic to meet in Australian Open final after epic semifinal winsMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic finally beat one of the two men who have been blocking his path to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title when he edged Jannik Sinner in five sets Friday to reach the Australian Open final.
Read more »
History-chasing Djokovic and Alcaraz to meet in Australian Open final after epic semifinal winsNovak Djokovic finally beat one of the two men who have been blocking his path to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title when he edged Jannik Sinner in five sets Friday to reach the Australian Open final.
Read more »
Djokovic Advances to Australian Open Final After Thrilling Semifinal VictoryNovak Djokovic defeats Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal at the Australian Open, setting up a final clash with Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz also won a grueling five-set match against Alexander Zverev, making it the longest semifinal in Australian Open history.
Read more »
History-chasing Djokovic and Alcaraz to meet in Australian Open final after epic semifinal winsMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic finally beat one of the two men who have been blocking his path to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title when he edged Jannik Sinner in five sets Friday to reach the Australian Open final.
Read more »
History-chasing Djokovic and Alcaraz to meet in Australian Open final after epic semifinal winsNovak Djokovic finally beat one of the two men who have been blocking his path to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title when he edged Jannik Sinner in five sets Friday to reach the Australian Open final.
Read more »