Australian Open: Jannik Sinner Beats Novak Djokovic to Reach Grand Slam Final

Australian Open: Jannik Sinner Beats Novak Djokovic to Reach Grand Slam Final

Robert Abong'o
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
  • Italian ace, Jannik Sinner has qualified for the Australian Open final
  • The fourth seed beat 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semis
  • He faces third seed, Daniil Medvedev or sixth seed, Alexander Zverev

In a surprising turn of events on Friday, January 26, Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic's quest for tennis immortality at the Australian Open.

The Italian fourth seed showed remarkable composure, overcoming the Serbian's record 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and thwarting his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title.

Sinner faced a momentary setback when he dropped his first tournament set against the formidable opponent at Rod Laver Arena in the Victoria capital.

Jannik Sinner eliminated Novak Djokovic in their semi-final atch during the 2024 Australian Open. Photo: Daniel Pockett.
Jannik Sinner has beaten Novak Djokovic in their semi-final singles match during the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Photo: Daniel Pockett.
Source: Getty Images

However, he quickly regained control, securing victory with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 and earning a spot in his first Grand Slam final.

"It was a very tough match. I started off really well. He missed in the first two sets. I felt like he was not feeling that great on court, so I just tried to keep pushing,” Sinner said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

The 22-year-old sensation is poised to face either third seed, Daniil Medvedev or sixth seed, Alexander Zverev in the title match scheduled for Sunday, January 28.

Djokovic, a 10-time champion at the Australian Open, had not experienced defeat since 2018 in Melbourne.

The world number one struggled to find his usual rhythm, committing 29 unforced errors in the first two sets. On the other hand, Sinner maintained a steady performance with only eight unforced errors.

Australian Open women's final set

In the women’s singles final set for Saturday, January 27, defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, strongly believes in her emotional advantage over opponent Zheng Qinwen, as reported by France24.

However, the fast-rising Chinese star is convinced that destiny is on her side.

As the world number two, Sabalenka is the favourite to secure her second major crown. Her experience in such significant moments gives her an edge over Zheng, who is stepping onto the grand stage for the first time.

Last year, the 25-year-old claimed her maiden Grand Slam crown by defeating Elena Rybakina in Melbourne. She continued her impressive run by reaching the semi-finals in Paris and Wimbledon, although she faced defeat in the US Open final against Coco Gauff.

US champ Coco Gauff beaten by Aryna Sabalenka

Sports Brief also reported on Sabalenka reaching the Australian Open final by defeating Coco Gauff on Thursday, January 25.

The Belarusian triumphed over the fourth seed of 7-6, 6-4, retribution for her loss to the American in the 2023 US Open final.

Authors
Robert Abong'o photo
Robert Abong'o
Editor - Africa Team
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Novak Djokovic