January 30, 2026 — Melbourne, Australia — Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to another Australian Open title on Friday night, defeating Jannik Sinner in the men’s semifinal to advance to the final after a high intensity contest on Rod Laver Arena.
The semifinal featured long rallies, momentum swings, and stretches of top level shot making, with Djokovic ultimately asserting control in key moments to end Sinner’s run in Melbourne.
Semifinal unfolds under pressure
From the opening games, the match developed into a tactical battle. Sinner matched Djokovic’s pace early, using depth and aggression to push the rallies and test Djokovic’s movement. The Italian created several early opportunities, but Djokovic repeatedly steadied himself under pressure.
As the match progressed, Djokovic’s experience in Melbourne became evident. He raised his level in crucial service games and break point exchanges, limiting Sinner’s chances to seize control of the contest.
Djokovic takes charge in key moments
Djokovic’s ability to manage extended rallies and vary his shot selection proved decisive. He absorbed Sinner’s power and redirected points with precision, forcing errors at critical stages.
The Serbian converted break points when opportunities arose and closed out sets with authority, preventing Sinner from building sustained momentum despite the Italian’s strong baseline play.
Sinner’s run ends after breakthrough tournament
Sinner entered the semifinal after a commanding straight sets win over Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals, marking one of his strongest performances of the tournament. Against Djokovic, he continued to show composure and athleticism, but struggled to maintain consistency when rallies extended deep into games.
Despite the loss, Sinner’s performance throughout the Australian Open reinforced his status as one of the leading contenders in men’s tennis and a regular presence in the latter stages of major tournaments.
Djokovic advances to the final
With the win, Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open final, continuing his remarkable record in Melbourne. The victory extended his unbeaten streak at the tournament in recent years and set up another chance to compete for a major title.
Djokovic will face the winner of the other men’s semifinal as he looks to add yet another Australian Open championship to his career résumé.
What’s next in Melbourne
The men’s final is scheduled for Sunday night, with Djokovic aiming to convert his semifinal success into another title. For Sinner, attention now turns to the remainder of the season after another deep run at a Grand Slam.
Further updates, including full match statistics and final pairing details, are expected as the tournament reaches its closing stages.
