Novak Djokovic gives Nick Kyrgios a kiss after the point win against Fritz
Novak Djokovic faces the toughest test of his title defense to date at the Australian Open, as the ten-time champion takes on fourth-seeded Jannik Sinner in a thrilling semi-final duel. Djokovic has never lost an Australian Open semi-final and has won every tournament in which he has reached the final four, but Sinner goes into the duel in top form.
The Italian has not lost a set so far and has won two of his three previous meetings against Djokovic, including sensationally in the Davis Cup semi-finals in November. Djokovic defeated Sinner in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-finals last season, but the 22-year-old has significantly improved his game and Melbourne Park could be primed for a classic.
In the other semi-final, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev renew their rivalry as they meet for the first time at a Grand Slam. Zverev delivered a sensational performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz, while Medvedev needed another five-set epic to overtake Hubert Hurkacz. Zverev has faced out-of-court scrutiny ahead of his upcoming domestic violence trial – he denies the allegations – and is attempting to reach his first Australian Open final.
Follow Australian Open live scores, updates and results below:
Australian Open LIVE: Latest updates and results
Show latest update 1706244239
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic's serve now comes to life, at least halfway through this second set. Things were inconsistent in the opening game, but now he's finding his usual spots. It holds up quite comfortably.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:43
1706244062
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Sinner is holding on to love and Djokovic has yet to make the breakthrough in a single return game. Sinner only lost seven points on his serve in this match.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:41
1706243824
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic 1-6 1-2 Sinner* – Sinner breaks!
… what happens?! Sinner moves inside the baseline to parry the forehand winner from midfield, getting to 15:30 before Djokovic hammers a backhand into the net.
Two break points… and the Sinner return throws Djokovic off balance! Djokovic's backhand misses!
Sinner has the set and the break!
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:37
1706243588
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic finds an excellent forehand winner across the board as he is truly able to beat Sinner from the baseline for the first time. The Italian is still able to hold onto the ball as he completes a 16-shot rally and then throws a powerful first serve out of bounds. When he serves he still has no pressure point.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:33
1706243307
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic remains convinced at the start of the second set that the ten-time champion is trying to get back into the game.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:28
1706243094
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* – Sinner wins the first set!
Plus, some of Djokovic's worst stats you'll ever see.
43% first serve, 15 unforced errors versus 5 winners…0 break points.
Djokovic also looks very cautious.
(Portal)
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:24
1706243000
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* – Sinner wins the first set!
That is remarkable. Jannik Sinner had a completely one-sided first set and it has to be said that Novak Djokovic's title defense is now in serious jeopardy.
Sinner takes control in almost every rally and Djokovic struggles to keep up with the Italian's power from the baseline. Remarkable.
Sinner capitalizes on the second serve at the second opportunity, landing a first serve and a forehand shot. Djokovic lets the return float for a long time.
A 35 minute opening movement. A landslide.
(Portal)
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:23
1706242787
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic 1-5 Sinner* – Sinner breaks!
My goodness… another 0-30 start for Djokovic on serve, starting with his second double fault of the match before a forehand goes wide (now 11 unforced errors).
Djokovic comes to the net as he pushes the forehand over the line, but Sinner somehow steadies himself with the backhand to stay on point… before Djokovic can no longer fend him off!
The volley misses and Sinner has two break points: Sinner jumps to bring the backhand into play… but… what… Djokovic goes wide for the backhand from the midfield line!
Sinner gets the double break and will serve for the set while Djokovic continues to make mistakes! That's already 13 in six games.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:19
1706242467
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
The first real sign of hesitation on Sinner's part when his drop shot from the baseline fails to clear the net, but he puts it behind him with another excellent forehand angle that sends Djokovic wide.
Djokovic wins an exchange at the net to fend off a smash, but Sinner finds his second ace of the game on the next point to save.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:14
1706241969
Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Djokovic is off to a solid start on serve, while Sinner is making his first errors on his backhand side.
But Djokovic looks unusually unsure in the rallies and Sinner storms back when Djokovic makes three unforced errors in a row – almost as if he was asking too much!
Breakpoint: But this is a good serve from Djokovic, who finds his place in the middle and puts away the forehand winner.
Wonderful from Djokovic, who shoots an excellent volley into the net with soft hands. On the second deuce, Sinner hits his backhand into the net and Djokovic saves to get on the board.
Already nine unforced errors from the champion.
Jamie Braidwood26. January 2024 04:06