Overview
- Novak Djokovic outlasted two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in about four hours, ending a five-match skid against the Italian to reach his 11th Australian Open final.
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in 5 hours 27 minutes to make his first Australian Open final in the longest semifinal in the tournament’s history.
- The championship match is scheduled for Sunday, 1 February, at 7:30 p.m. local time at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
- Djokovic seeks an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam, while Alcaraz can complete the Career Grand Slam and become the youngest player in the Open Era to win all four majors.
- Djokovic’s route included a walkover in the round of 16 and an opponent retirement in the quarterfinals, factors noted as easing his load before the marathon semifinal.