Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner Halts Novak Djokovic’s Quest for Grand Slam History
Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner Halts Novak Djokovic’s Quest for Grand Slam History
On January 26, Jannik Sinner halted Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, ending the Serbian’s remarkable 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and securing his spot in his first major final.
Despite conceding his first set of the tournament to the Rod Laver Arena maestro, the unfazed Italian fourth seed triumphed in the semi-final with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3. Sinner is now set to face either Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev or German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the title match on Sunday, ensuring a new name on the trophy.
Ten-time champion Djokovic battled fiercely, saving a match point in the third-set tie-break. However, his performance fell below his stellar standards, accumulating 54 unforced errors and failing to create a single break point.
Sinner, 22, reflected on the tough match, noting Djokovic’s struggle on the court and his own strategy of relentless pressure. Despite missing a match point in the third set, Sinner stayed composed and seized control in the fourth set.
Having learned from his defeat to Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, Sinner felt well-prepared for this encounter. Highlighting their similar playing styles, he emphasized the importance of returning as many balls as possible against Djokovic’s formidable serve.
Djokovic, acknowledging being “outplayed” by the younger opponent, expressed disappointment with his own performance, deeming it one of his worst Grand Slam matches. However, he dismissed any notions of it being the “beginning of the end” and vowed to return next year for another shot at the title.
Djokovic record bid
In a departure from his unbeaten streak at the Australian Open since 2018, Djokovic struggled to maintain his usual metronomic consistency against the composed Jannik Sinner, who swiftly took a 3-0 lead.
Sinner further capitalized on Djokovic’s mounting errors, breaking in the sixth game to secure the first set. Although Djokovic managed a convincing hold in the second set, Sinner broke again in the third game, tightening his grip on the match.
Despite pleas from Djokovic for crowd support, Sinner broke once more, putting Djokovic two sets down. The match experienced a brief pause at 5-5, 40-40 in the third set for medical attention to a fan, but Djokovic held serve to force a tie-break.
While Djokovic initially took the lead in the tie-break, Sinner fought back, earning his first match point but faltering with a forehand into the net. Djokovic seized the opportunity, clinching the set and raising a clenched fist to the crowd.
However, Djokovic’s serve faced renewed pressure in the fourth set, resulting in a crucial crack that gave Sinner a 3-1 lead. The Italian maintained composure, securing a second match point and ultimately claiming victory with a forehand winner after three hours and 22 minutes, signaling the end of an era at Melbourne Park.
