Djokovic and Alcaraz Secure Australian Open Final After Epic Five‑Set Semifinals
Updated (2 articles)
Djokovic Overcomes Sinner in Four‑Hour Five‑Set Thriller Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 3‑6 6‑3 4‑6 6‑4 6‑4 in a 4‑hour 9‑minute match, saving eight break points in the deciding set and ending a five‑match losing streak to Sinner [2]. The win made Djokovic the oldest man in the professional era to reach an Australian Open final and gave him a chance at a record 25th major, his first Grand Slam title since the 2023 US Open [2][1]. He celebrated on his knees as the crowd stayed past midnight, and later thanked Australian legend Margaret Court for her support [2].
Alcaraz Edges Zverev in Marathon Match Carlos Alcaraz survived a 5‑hour 27‑minute battle with Alexander Zverev, winning 6‑4 7‑6(5) 6‑7(3) 6‑7(4) 7‑5 despite cramping and a three‑minute medical timeout [1][2]. Zverev served for the match at 5‑4 in the fifth set, but Alcaraz broke back and closed the decider, finishing with 78 winners to Zverev’s 56 [2]. The victory keeps Alcaraz on track to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam [2].
Controversy Over Alcaraz’s Medical Timeout Alcaraz’s mid‑match medical timeout sparked criticism from Zverev, who claimed officials gave preferential treatment because Grand Slam rules reserve such timeouts for injury or illness [1]. The incident added tension to an already historic semifinal and highlighted differing interpretations of player welfare protocols [1].
Age and Fitness Questions Surround Djokovic Speculation about Djokovic’s physical condition due to his 38 years of age circulated before the match, yet his performance was described as “jaw‑dropping,” defying expectations and reinforcing his durability at the elite level [1]. His ability to outlast a younger opponent in a five‑set thriller underscored ongoing debates about longevity in men’s tennis [1].
Women’s Final Set for Sabalenka vs Rybakina The women’s Australian Open final will feature world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka against former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina on Saturday, following their respective victories earlier in the tournament [1][2]. Both articles note the matchup as a blockbuster conclusion to the event [1][2].
Sources
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1.
BBC (article 1): Djokovic tops Sinner as Alcaraz‑Zverev epic fuels Australian Open climax – Emphasizes the back‑to‑back five‑set semifinals, Alcaraz’s medical‑timeout controversy, and the women’s final pairing, while noting fan celebrations and age‑related fitness doubts for Djokovic.
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BBC (article 2): Djokovic and Alcaraz advance to Australian Open 2026 final after marathon semifinals – Provides detailed match statistics (break points saved, winners count), highlights Djokovic becoming the oldest finalist and his gratitude to Australian legends, and stresses the historical significance of both players reaching the final.
Timeline
Jan 30, 2026 – Novak Djokovic defeats Jannik Sinner 3‑6 6‑3 4‑6 6‑4 6‑4 in a four‑hour‑nine‑minute five‑set thriller, saves eight break points in the deciding set and becomes the oldest man in the professional era to reach an Australian Open final, putting him one win away from a possible record 25th major title and his first Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Carlos Alcaraz overcomes Alexander Zverev 6‑4 7‑6(5) 6‑7(3) 6‑7(4) 7‑5 after a five‑hour‑27‑minute battle, breaking Zverev’s serve at 5‑4 in the fifth set, hitting 78 winners and keeping his bid alive to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Alcaraz’s three‑minute medical timeout for cramping in the third set draws criticism, with Zverev accusing officials of preferential treatment and sparking a rare controversy over Grand Slam medical‑timeout rules [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Djokovic’s performance is described as “jaw‑dropping,” defying age‑related fitness doubts that had shadowed his campaign and underscoring his resilience despite being 38 years old [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – The back‑to‑back five‑set men’s semi‑finals mark the first occurrence of such a sequence since Wimbledon 2018, emphasizing an unprecedented surge in late‑stage drama at the Australian Open [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – After his win, Djokovic thanks the late‑night crowd and specifically names Australian legend Margaret Court, noting that he now shares the all‑time Grand Slam record of 24 titles with her [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Jannik Sinner’s five‑match dominance over Djokovic ends, as Sinner had won their previous five encounters with only one set lost across two years, underscoring the significance of Djokovic’s comeback [2].
Jan 31, 2026 – The women’s singles final is set for Saturday, featuring world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka against former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, promising a blockbuster conclusion to the tournament [1][2].
Jan 31, 2026 – The men’s Australian Open final is scheduled for Saturday, pitting Djokovic against Alcaraz, with the winner poised to either claim a record 25th major or complete the career Grand Slam as the youngest ever [1][2].