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Djokovic, Alcaraz Set for Australian Open Final After Marathon Semifinals

The showdown pits Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major against Alcaraz’s bid to finish the career Grand Slam as the youngest man to do it.

Overview

  • Novak Djokovic outlasted defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 4 hours 9 minutes, ending a five-match skid against the Italian and becoming the oldest man in the Open era to reach the Melbourne final.
  • Carlos Alcaraz beat Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in 5 hours 27 minutes, the longest Australian Open semifinal, breaking back when Zverev served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth.
  • The title match is scheduled for Sunday at Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic seeks an 11th Australian Open crown and he has never lost a final.
  • Alcaraz received right-leg treatment during his semifinal that drew a rules complaint from Zverev over cramping; Alcaraz said he required an assessment for his right adductor.
  • Djokovic’s route featured a fourth-round walkover and a quarterfinal where Lorenzo Musetti retired with a leg injury while leading, before the Serb prevailed in five sets in the semifinal.