Reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner moved within touching distance of the 2026 final after taking a commanding two-sets-to-one lead against Novak Djokovic in their men’s singles semi-final at Rod Laver Arena on Friday. The world No. 2 Italian showed composure and control in key moments, putting pressure on the 10-time champion as the match entered a decisive phase.

Sinner struck first by claiming the opening set 6-3, breaking Djokovic at the first opportunity to set the tone. His aggressive baseline play and precise shot selection unsettled the world No. 4, allowing him to dictate rallies and close out the set with authority in front of a packed Melbourne crowd.

Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open final, responded strongly in the second set. Drawing on his experience and resilience, the Serbian elevated his return game and movement to level the match, taking the set 6-3 and briefly shifting momentum in his favour.

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However, Sinner quickly regained control in the third set, once again breaking Djokovic and maintaining his intensity to seal it 6-3. The set proved crucial, giving Sinner a 2-1 lead and reinforcing his recent dominance over Djokovic, whom he has not lost to in over two years.

As the fourth set began, Djokovic showed signs of defiance by breaking Sinner immediately, keeping his hopes alive in a contest that remained finely balanced despite the scoreline. The veteran’s ability to respond under pressure ensured the semi-final stayed competitive heading into the later stages.

The winner of the match will face world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Alcaraz earlier booked his place after battling through injury to defeat Alexander Zverev in a dramatic five-set encounter, setting the stage for a high-stakes Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final.

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