Janik Sinner caused a major upset in the Australian Open semi-final by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic by 6-1 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3. This was Djokovic's first defeat the Melbourne Park in six years.
Fourth seed Sinner stunned Djokovic twice in three matches at the end of last season and he made a rollicking start on Rod Laver Arena by targeting his 36-year-old opponent's shaky serve and error-prone backhand to comfortably win the opening set.
First Australian Open final without Federer, Nadal or Djokovic since 2005.
— The Big Three (@Big3Tennis) January 26, 2024
Players to beat Novak Djokovic at Grand Slam, Davis Cup, and ATP Finals level:- Roger Federer- Rafael Nadal- JANNIK SINNER pic.twitter.com/s12ciAFKxc
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 26, 2024
SIN-SATIONAL 🙌@janniksin dismisses Djokovic 6-1 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3 to book a spot in his FIRST GRAND SLAM FINAL 👏@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/CVrKYCM1q4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 26, 2024
Djokovic had not lost at his favourite stomping ground since the 2018 edition when he crashed to South Korean Chung Hyeon and there were worrying signs for the 10-times Australian Open champion as the 22-year-old Sinner roared through the next set with a double break.
The Sinner tsunami showed no signs of subsiding in the third set but Djokovic raised his game to stay firm until the tiebreak where the Italian squandered a match point at 6-5 by hitting a forehand into the net to give his opponent a lifeline.
Also Read:
Djokovic claimed the next three points to pull a set back to draw loud cheers, but Sinner broke for a 3-1 lead in the fourth set and ran away with the match to snap the Serb's 33-match winning run at Melbourne Park and end his quest for a record 25th major.
(With Reuters inputs)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Prajwal Revanna Sexual Assault Case: Activist raises concerns over political interference, delayed investigation in the matter
Apr 30, 2024 10:17 PM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Baramati election outcome will decide the future of Pawar dynasty, says expert
Apr 30, 2024 10:08 PM
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Baramati to Mainpuri, key battles in phase 3
Apr 30, 2024 7:01 PM