Sinner reaches first Grand Slam final with sensational win over Djokovic

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Melbourne. Italy’s Jannik Sinner made a sensational performance by defeating 10-time champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 on Friday and entered the title match of 2024 Australian Open. .

Sinner turned in his personal best in the most anticipated matchup of the tournament. While the Italian’s upset against the World No. 1 may not be a shock, the scoreline is one of the most surprising in recent memory.

Djokovic saved a match point in the third set tie-break, but was ultimately unable to withstand his opponent’s challenge in the afternoon. The Serbian made 54 unforced errors and did not create a single break point as Sinner held firm with a patient game plan, challenging Djokovic to beat him in rallies.

Sinner told Jim Courier in his on-court interview after reaching the final, “It was a very tough match. I started really well. After two sets, I felt like he wasn’t feeling as good on the court. “So I just tried to push. Then in the third set I had a match point and I missed a forehand, but that’s tennis.”

“I just tried to prepare for the next set as well, which I started very well. And obviously the atmosphere was great to play here.”

After defeating Djokovic in two of the three Lexus ATP head-to-head meetings last November, Sinner improved to 3-4 in their rivalry and advanced to his first Grand Slam final with a perfect performance in Melbourne.

The Italian played his game and showed great mental strength to hold off a late charge from the world No. 1, who was gradually coming into form as the match progressed. While Sinner was sharp in strategy and execution, pushing Djokovic back with the power of his shots, the Serbian boosted his opponent’s confidence with a flat opening performance that was a sharp contrast to his usual level in high-stakes matches.

Djokovic has fallen short of his best for most of this Melbourne fortnight, but his ability to raise his game in the final rounds at major tournaments has helped him win a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles. On this occasion, until a late unsuccessful surge, the Serbian’s level dropped.

Sinner won the first two sets easily with early and late breaks. Both were completed in a combined time of one hour, 13 minutes. Djokovic fought back from a break point early in the third set and held on to tie the set with strong serves. The “Tie-Break King” won his 21st of his last 23 tie-breaks to send the match to a fourth set. One match point was reduced when Sinner blinked and netted a routine forehand.

But Sinner pressed on in the fourth set and immediately took control at Rod Laver Arena, allaying any fears of a repeat of the 2022 Wimbledon quarter-finals when Djokovic came back from two sets down to beat him. Gave. After missing three break points at the beginning of the set, the Italian broke 40/0 to take a 3–1 lead. He held the lead between 30/30 and 15/30 and registered the milestone win with a forehand winner, his 31st of the match.

–IANS

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