- Sinner had romped to a 6-1, 6-2 lead and was preparing to serve for the match
- World number one Djokovic made many uncharacteristic errors in first two sets
- Should the 22-year-old hold on, he will play his first Grand Slam final on Sunday
It looked as if Novak Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Grand Slam title – and 11th Australian Open crown – would have to wait until at least next January after the world number one was stunned in the first two sets of his men’s semi-final by Jannik Sinner on Friday.
The Serbian superstar, who has made Rod Laver Arena virtually his own sporting playground in recent years, had no answers early on, with the 22-year-old from San Candido in Italy in complete control.
Sinner was composed from the outset while Djokovic shocked the boisterous crowd after making a staggering 44 unforced errors in the opening three sets.
After losing the opening sets 6-1, 6-2, commentator Jim Courier spoke for many when he said: ‘I have never seen Novak beaten like this at any tournament…you would have to take a good long look in the past for that.
‘This has been almost beyond belief.’
Novak Djokovic looked like a man with no answers in his Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner
By contrast, Sinner was a model of consistency on court, and raced to a two sets to love lead on Rod Laver Arena in impressive fashion
Djokovic, who has won 10 Grand Slams at Melbourne Park, had plenty of support in the stands
Djokovic’s serving proved to be his Achilles heel, with Sinner – who is seeded fourth, seemingly breaking him at will.
But the veteran dug deep to muscle his way into the third set, forcing Sinner into a tiebreak.
The Italian served for the match at 6-6 (5-6), but Djokovic was nerveless as he clung on, forcing the contest to a fourth set.
Perhaps ominously, Djojkovic admitted to Channel Nine Today show host Karl Stefanovic pre-match the annual trips down under are becoming increasingly taxing on his body.
‘I do struggle with that more and more as the time goes on,’ Djokovic said.
‘Australia is a long trip, probably the longest trip we have in the entire year.
Djokovic was able to keep calm and save himself from a famous defeat on Australia Day
‘Being away for five weeks is quite a lot.’
The winner of the clash must wait to see whether it will be third seed Daniil Medvedev or polarising German Alexander Zverev they meet in the final on Sunday.
Djokovic and Sinner have met four times over the past year, with the spoils shared.
Whilst the Serbian beat Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals, Sinner claimed the last win, dispatching the 36-year-old in the Davis Cup semi-finals in November.
After losing the third set, Sinner uncharacteristically lost his cool as he waited for his opponent to change his kit off-court.
Taking in some shade on his bench, the Canadian Open winner knocked over his water bottles in frustration as he was left to ponder what might have been.
