‘I was on my way home’ – Djokovic saved by Musetti retirementA 38-year-old Novak Djokovic became the oldest Australian Open men’s finalist of all time after ending defending champion Jannik Sinner’s winning run in another five-set epic to set up a final with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic will bid for the standalone record of 25 grand slam titles, and his first in 18 months, on Sunday after producing a vintage performance against the 24-year-old Sinner, who had won his last five matches against Djokovic and his last 19 in a row at this tournament. In doing so, Djokovic battled from two sets to one down, denying Sinner a fourth consecutive grand slam final against his rival Alcaraz, and proving that he remains a contender for the biggest titles in a match where he began as the major underdog. Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title looked to be over as he trailed Lorenzo Musetti by two sets in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, but Djokovic admitted he was on his way home and “extremely lucky” to progress as the Italian retired with a right leg injury.Earlier, Alcaraz downed third seed Alexander Zverev in a thriller to book a place in his first Australian Open final. The Spaniard led by two sets to love before being derailed by a sudden onset of cramp, with Zverev roaring back to win the next two sets on tie-breaks to force a decider – but Alcaraz dragged himself back from the brink to keep his hopes of becoming the youngest man to complete the career grand slam alive.He will now look to recover ahead of what will be a historic occasion on Sunday. Follow latest score updates from the Australian Open, belowAustralian Open latest scores and updates Djokovic is speechless after reaching Australian Open finalThere are members of Djokovic’s camp in tears. There were people who asked whether he could have retired at the end of last season, such was the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner. Djokovic is lost for words, literally!. These are unbelievable scenes. He was going home on Wednesday. He has pulled out one of his best ever performances, at this stage of his career. (AFP via Getty Images)Jamie Braidwood30 January 2026 14:40WHAT ON EARTH JUST HAPPENED A 38-year-old Novak Djokovic became the oldest Australian Open men’s finalist of all time after ending defending champion Jannik Sinner’s winning run in another five-set epic to set up a final with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic will bid for the standalone record of 25 grand slam…
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2026-01-30 14:37:02
