Djokovic outlasts Sinner in 5-set Australian Open semifinal epic

MELBOURNE, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- An indefatigable Novak Djokovic produced one of the best victories of his legendary career after coming from two sets to one down to end Jannik Sinner's bid for a third straight Australian Open title.

In a classic semifinal that finished at almost 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, the 38-year-old was on his knees in an emotional celebration after prevailing 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes.

An aggressive Djokovic defied his advancing age with strong serving and formidable groundstrokes to book a place in Sunday's final against top seed Carlos Alcaraz.

It was a match that was equally as high quality and nerve-jangling as the earlier five-set semifinal between Alcaraz and third seed Alexander Zverev.

"It feels surreal, the level of intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high. I knew that was the only way I could beat him," Djokovic said.

Djokovic was in the unusual position of being an underdog on a court where he has lifted the trophy a record 10 times.

But he entered refreshed having had a walkover in the fourth round after 16th seed Jakub Mensik pulled out injured before fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt having led two sets to love in the quarterfinals.

Trailing two sets to one, a flagging Djokovic appeared down and out until breathing life into the contest with a break to start the fourth set.

With the clock ticking past midnight, Djokovic stared down Sinner with a vintage performance to force a deciding set.

But the Serb was under a barrage from a rejuvenated Sinner until gaining control when he broke in the seventh game.

Sinner fashioned eight break points but will rue being unable to convert any of them as Djokovic sealed an unforgettable victory on his third match point. ■