Jannik Sinner is the first Australian Open finalist, earning a place in the title clash after ousting the defending champion Novak Djokovic. Jannik produced his career-best victory and beat Novak 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 in three hours and 22 minutes, securing a spot in his first Major final at 22. Legendary Rod Laver praised Jannik’s performance against the “Melbourne Park King,” calling it at some feat. Jannik outplayed Novak like a few players before him, dominating the sets he won and moving over the top in style. The young Italian never faced a break point, keeping the pressure on the other side from start to finish. Djokovic did not feel the ball, spraying too many errors and ending on the losing side after 33 straight wins in Melbourne.
Rod Laver, Australian Open 2024© Julian Finney / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Novak defended a match point in the tie break of the second set, winning it before ending his resistance after one loose service game in the fourth set. Jannik served at 58%, but no one could notice that. The 4th seed produced one good hold after another and tamed his strokes nicely, staying under 30 unforced errors. Djokovic added over 50 and lost serve five times from 11 chances offered to Sinner. Jannik was off to a flying start, serving well and earning a break in game two after a forehand drive-volley winner. Novak denied a break point in game four with a forehand winner before facing more issues behind the initial shot at 1-4. The defending champion sprayed a backhand error, falling 5-1 behind and allowing Sinner to serve for the set.
Rod Laver praised Jannik Sinner after beating Novak Djokovic.
Jannik produced another fine hold in the seventh game, wrapping up the opener 6-1 after 35 minutes. Djokovic served at 75% in the second set, but it did not help him. Jannik lost four points in his games and clinched a double break to forge a massive advantage. Sinner grabbed a break in the third game after Djokovic’s backhand mistake and confirmed the lead with a service winner in game four for 3-1. Jannik landed another powerful serve for 4-2 and extended the seventh game. He collected the second break point, moving further ahead and serving for the set. Sinner forced Djokovic’s error at 5-2, opening a colossal advantage after an hour and 13 minutes.
Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2024© Julian Finney / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Novak defended a break point in the third set’s first game and stayed in touch with his opponent, looking better than in the opening two sets. They served well in the closing stages, and Sinner introduced a tie break with a smash winner in game 12. Novak moved 3-2 up with a forehand winner and extended the lead after Jannik’s forehand error. The Italian climbed back and moved 5-4 up with a forehand winner. Djokovic leveled the score with a lob winner before Sinner earned a match point with a booming serve at 5-5. Novak saved it and extended the battle, eager to fight until the end. Djokovic forced Sinner’s two errors, winning the breaker 8-6 and introducing the fourth set.
Jannik made a fresh start and produced five good holds while earning three break chances in the second game. Novak saved them and held to stay on the positive side, which changed two games later. The Serb wasted a 40-0 lead at 1-2 and handed the Italian a break chance after a double fault. Djokovic’s backhand landed long, and he sealed his fate in this match. Sinner held after rare deuces for 4-1, and they served well in the following three games. Djokovic held at love in game eight, doing what he could and hoping for a miracle on the return at 3-5. Instead, Jannik stayed focused while serving for his first Major final, moving back from 15-30 with two service winners and seizing a match point with a forehand down the line winner.
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