NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The only thing Novak Djokovic “chases” is records.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner got the chance to extend his title streak, including his current Australian Open record, after he stunned world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the men’s semi-finals in a five-set thriller on Friday.
Novak Djokovic, right, of Serbia is congratulated by Jannik Sinner, left, of Italy after their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star defeated the defending two-time champion 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the men’s final, where he will face top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
“I’m at a loss for words right now, to be honest,” an emotional Djokovic said during an on-court interview as the crowd erupted into “Novak” chants. “It feels surreal, to be honest, playing for almost four hours. It’s almost 2 in the morning.”
“The intensity level and I guess the quality of tennis was extremely high and I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win against him tonight,” he continued. “I have huge respect for him, an incredible player. He pushes you to the limit, which is what he did tonight against me.”
Djokovic fended off 16 of the 18 break points he faced against Sinner, ending a run of five losses to the Italian tennis star. It also marked the end of a streak of four semifinal exits for Djokovic at majors.
“He’s won 24 Grand Slams and we know each other very well – how we play, so I’ve always said, never [underestimate him] because I feel he’s the best player for many, many years,” Sinner said when asked if he was surprised by Djokovic’s performance on Friday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his semifinal match against Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC FIELDS REPORTER’S QUESTIONS ‘RESPECTFULLY’ AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTER-FINAL MATCH
Earlier this week, Djokovic sparred with a reporter after advancing to the semi-finals with a walkover match against fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti. The reporter suggested that Djokovic began his career “chasing” Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and now at the “back end” of his career, he was “chasing” Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In what sense?” he interrupted. “So I’m always the hunter and never the hunted?”
The reporter then admitted, “Meanwhile, you won 24 Grand Slams,” to which Djokovic replied with a smile, “Thanks, it’s worth saying that sometimes. Right?”
Djokovic gave his rivals their flowers but noted that he found the proposal “disrespectful”.
“Well, I think it’s a bit disrespectful that you kind of miss what happened between when I started ‘chasing’, as you say, Rafa and Roger, and now when I’m chasing Carlos and Jannik. There’s probably about a 15-year period in between where I dominated the Grand Slams.”
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Jannik Sinner of Italy in their semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia on January 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
He later added, “I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own story.”
And history could be written on Sunday in the men’s final. A win would extend Djokovic’s record to an unprecedented 25 Grand Slam titles and his record 10 Australian Open titles to 11.
“Let God decide the winner,” he said of those odds.
