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yesterday

Djokovic and Alcaraz Reach Australian Open Final After Back-to-Back Five-Set Epics

Each pursues a landmark — Djokovic a 25th major, Alcaraz a career Grand Slam.

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FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 2259029828, 2257705422) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Novak Djokovic of Serbia (L) and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. They will meet in the Australian Open Men’s Final on February 1,2026 at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.***LEFT IMAGE*** MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand in the Men's Singles Semifinal against Jannik Sinner of Italy during day 13 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. ***LEFT IMAGE*** MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a backhand against Corentin Moutet of France in the Men's Singles Third Round during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photos by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Novak Djokovic outlasted two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 4 hours 9 minutes to reach his 39th Grand Slam final and become the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open era.
  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in 5 hours 27 minutes, the longest semifinal in tournament history, securing his first Melbourne final.
  • The consecutive five-set semifinals totaled about 9 hours 36 minutes and pushed Djokovic’s match to a finish just after 1:30 a.m., sharpening focus on recovery and event scheduling before the title match.
  • Alcaraz took a medical timeout for a right-leg issue that Zverev contended was cramping not eligible for treatment under the rules, highlighting scrutiny of how medical assessments are applied in extreme conditions.
  • Djokovic seeks an 11th Melbourne crown and a record 25th major, while Alcaraz, 22, can become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam; Djokovic has won all 10 of his previous Australian Open finals.