Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev sets up Jannik Sinner final after comeback against Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open title defence is over after a stunning four-sets defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Djokovic had been unbeaten at the Australian Open since 2018 and was on a 33-match winning run in Melbourne but Sinner advanced to his first grand slam final with a remarkable 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 victory against the 10-time champion.

Djokovic was bidding for a 25th grand slam title this week but in Sinner, the 36-year-old faced a player who had beaten him in two of their previous three meetings at the end of last season. The 22-year-old Italian dominated the opening exchanges to blitz an out-of-sorts Djokovic in two one-sided sets.

The third set was closer and Djokovic threatened the comeback after saving a match point to clinch the tiebreak. But Sinner responded to force the most uncharacteristic of games from Djokovic, with the Serbian being broken from 40-0 up midway through the fourth set. Sinner’s excellent serve stayed strong down the stretch to close out a historic victory.

In the other semi-final, Daniil Medvedev came from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev and reach his third Australian Open final. Medvedev looked beaten at two sets down but won two tiebreaks in a row to claim a 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 victory in over four hours. The former US Open champion will bid for a second grand slam title against Sinner on Sunday.

Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open below:

Australian Open LIVE: Latest updates and scores

• Novak Djokovic beaten by Jannik Sinner in Australian Open semi-finals

• MATCH POINT! Sinner serves out incredible victory to end Djokovic’s Australian Open run

• REPORT: Sinner flips Djokovic’s world upside down in Australian Open shock

• MATCH POINT! Daniil Medvedev comes from two sets down beat Alexander Zverev

• Aryna Sabalenka to face first-time finalist Qinwen Zheng in women’s final tomorrow

Australian Open LIVE

14:04 , Jamie Braidwood

For the best part of the past 16 years, the Australian Open and the Rod Laver Arena has stood as Novak Djokovic’s impenetrable fortress from which he has built a record-breaking dominance over his sport. With a 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, Djokovic entered his 11th Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner knowing he had always gone on to win the tournament after reaching this stage of the fortnight.

That record is now over. In a stunning upset, the 22-year-old Sinner claimed what is by far the biggest win of his burgeoning career to reach his first grand slam final. Given Sinner’s form at the Australian Open and his recent record against Djokovic, with wins in two of their previous three meetings, the Italian was tipped to push the 36-year-old close. But Sinner produced the unthinkable: first a landslide and then an utterly dominant 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-4 victory that brought Djokovic’s first defeat at the Australian Open since 2018 - 2,195 days ago.

Sinner will face either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev for his first grand slam title on Sunday but Djokovic’s entire year went up in smoke in the wreckage he left behind. The World No 1 was aiming to win his 25th grand slam title in Melbourne and he will have more chances to claim that record, but the opportunity to make one final assault at the ‘golden slam’ of all four majors and the Olympics in a single year is already over. And with Sinner now firmly elevating himself above his peers alongside Carlos Alcaraz as a worthy contender for the biggest titles, Djokovic will know the challenge to stay at the top is tougher than ever before.

Jannik Sinner flips Novak Djokovic’s world upside down in Australian Open shock

Australian Open LIVE

14:03 , Jamie Braidwood

A “shocked” Novak Djokovic admitted his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals was “one of the worst grand slam matches” he has played as the World No 1 suffered his first loss in Melbourne in six years.

Djokovic won just three games in the first two sets of the contest and did not force a single break point against Sinner’s serve during the match, as the Italian closed out a hugely impressive 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 victory.

The 36-year-old Djokovic had not lost a match at the Australian Open since 2018 and had won all 10 of his previous semi-final appearances at the Rod Laver Arena, with Sinner ending his run of 33 consecutive victories at the tournament.

Novak Djokovic ‘shocked’ by end of Australian Open streak: ‘One of my worst matches’

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Daniil Medvedev’s route to Australian Open final:

Quite the journey

1st round: vs Terence Atmane (Q) - won 5-7 6-2 6-4 1-0

2nd round: vs Emil Ruusuvuori - won 3-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-0

3rd round: vs Felix Auger-Aliassime - won 6-3 6-4 6-3

4th round: vs Nuno Borges - won 6-3 7-6 5-7 6-1

Quarter-finals: vs Hubert Hurkacz (9) - won 7-6 2-6 6-3 5-7 6-4

Semi-finals: vs Alexander Zverev (6) - won 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:37 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 Zverev

“Not enough sleep, but whatever.”

So good.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:27 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 Zverev

Daniil Medvedev on coming from two sets down, again: “At that point it was tough because first set, honestly I don’t think we played very good. Second set he played very well and I don’t have chances. I was a little bit lost but in the third set I was telling myself if I lose this match I just want to be proud of myself and fight to the end and fight for every point. I managed to win and I’m very proud.”

“At one moment in the third set I felt I was tired physically and looking at him I didn’t feel it. I can’t run any more for 40-shot rallies like we did in the first set so told myself to be more aggressive and if it doesn’t work out I tried.

“The tie-break was pretty unbelievable at 5-5 but that’s tennis. The dropshot with a backspin was not really intentional. Sometimes you need to be lucky and today’s my day.”

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:19 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 Zverev

Medvedev has now come from two sets down twice in this tournament and today was his third five-setter. He has spent more than 20 hours and 33 minutes on court!

Sinner and Medvedev played each other five times last season, Medvedev won the first two, Sinner won the next three. This will be their first grand slam meeting .

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:12 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 Zverev

There’s a handshake between the players at the net after Medvedev shushed the crowd. Medvedev continues his dominance over Zverev in this head-to-head but at two sets down the thought of that appeared a million miles away.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:07 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 6-3 Zverev

ONE OF THE CRAZIEST COMEBACKS YOU WILL EVER SEE!

Zverev clips the net with his forehand - his unravelling will take a long time to get over - but Medvedev’s resilience and heart to come back from two sets down, after being outplayed and dragged around the court, was remarkable.

He’s through to his third Aussie Open final and will face Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 5-3 Zverev*

Zverev is melting away.

He was two points from the final, on serve, but now can’t stop the flow on errors. Forehand and backhand errors get Medvedev to 0-30.

Brave shot from Zverev to take on the forehand down the line and he clips the paint! 30-30.

But another error from Zverev, this one on the backhand, gives Medvedev match point!

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

13:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 5-3 Zverev*

Can Zverev get it here? There’s an error from Medvedev on the opening point but then Zverev overreaches on the forehand, shanking wide. Zverev forehand. Net. Zverev backhand. Long. Zverev backhand. Net.

Medvedev couldn’t buy a first serve but four errors in a row from Zverev means he gets away with it.

He’s a game away.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:59 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 4-3 Zverev

There’s another slight wobble Zverev but he steadies himself to hold. Now the German needs a break for the first time since the second set.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 4-2 Zverev*

Nerves from both players now! Medvedev netted as Zverev got a look at 30-30, but then made another unforced on his forehand!

Zverev with the chance at the net... he nets! This is all going wrong for Zverev... so many misses. Medvedev has forced it.

He’s two games away.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:51 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 3-2 Zverev - Medvedev breaks!

Medvedev, that’s a joke! A stunner of a backhand pass clips the outside of the line!

Break point number three: Zverev nets on the forehand!

After four hours, Medvedev leads for the very first time in this match! Incredible.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:48 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 2-2 Zverev

Zverev’s getting tight again: a volley is slumped into the net and then he puts a forehand wide!

A chance for Medvevev! Zverev’s serve is wide and he follows in... only to put the volley at the net wide!

WHAT A MISS! Zverev whacks the net twice in anger.

Two break points: Zverev sends Medvedev running on the first and slaps away the smash. One saved.

Another big serve from Zverev. This time he makes the volley. He pumps his fist. A big save.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:42 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 1-2 Zverev

Zverev’s serve comes alive again at the start of the fifth. He barely dropped a point on serve in the fourth... apart from the end of the tiebreak.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:29 , Jamie Braidwood

FOURTH SET! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 7-6 Zverev

We’re heading for a fifth. We were always heading for a fifth, weren’t we?

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-6 Zverev - TIEBREAK

Medvedev digs in! He needed to be aggressive and the Russian attacks Zverev to take control of the point...

NET CORD MEDVEDEV! INSANE! His return drops in! SET POINT.

ACE MEDVEDEV!!!!! That’s incredible. How has Medvedev survived that??

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-6 Zverev - TIEBREAK

Zverev strikes from the front behind his forehand - winning both points on serve. 2-1.

Medvedev plants a backhand winner and Zverev responds with a volley onto the line. On serve. 3-3.

Zverev controls the drive well on the backhand. Seven points in a row on serve. 4-3.

Double fault Medvedev! First of the set and it gives Zverev two serves for the match! 5-4 to Zverev.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-6 Zverev - TIEBREAK

Medvedev requests to see a review of a Zverev winner than was inside the line.

“He’s doing his show again,” Zverev says to the umpire. Zverev then shoots a long stare down the other end of the court as he puts a volley away and gets to 30-0.

Zverev holds with an ace. His serving has been so good.

Yep, it’s tiebreak time again.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-5 Zverev*

Medvedev serves out and now Zverev will need to hold to stay in the set: the thing is, the German is thumping down his first-serve at 89% and hasn’t faced a break point. It’s been excellent serving again.

Pressure though...

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 5-4 Zverev*

Huge hold from Medvedev! Down 0-30, he storms back with a timely ace. Are we heading for a second tiebreak?

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

12:03 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 4-4 Zverev

Huge moments in this fourth set! Medvedev gets a look at two break points, one after a lovely touch at the net and the second on a lob that beat Zverev’s leap at the net, but can’t take advantage.

Will the Russian pay the price for not being clinical enough? He might do. Zverev holds behind a big serve.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 3-2 Zverev*

We’re past three hours. Medvedev battles from 15-30 down to claim an important hold and the Russian is looking much more comfortable now than during the first two sets.

Can Zverev lift it? He also raised his game after Carlos Alcaraz won the third set of their quarter-final.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:39 , Jamie Braidwood

THIRD SET! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 Zverev

Don’t count this man out.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:36 , Jamie Braidwood

THIRD SET! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6 Zverev

Daniil Medvedev has scrapped and clawed and battled his way back into this Australian Open semi-final! The third seed jumps at tightness from Zverev to surge clear in the breaker and he’s suddenly back in this match.

Still, it a long way to come back from, but Medvedev will be encouraged by Zverev failing to close that out. The German was so tight and his forehand broke down completely.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-6 6-6 Zverev - TIEBREAK!

Nothing to separate Medvedev and Zverev in this third set and we move on to the tiebreak. Zverev has been he more aggressive player and it would feel like a steal if Medvedev takes this.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:16 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 4-5 Zverev

That’s a huge hold from Zverev. Medvedev jumped on a double fault from the German and played his point of the match to salvage a pick-up volley but blasted wide on break point.

From there, Zverev steadied and stuck to his aggressive forehand. He’s a game away.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

11:02 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 3-6 3-4 Zverev

We’re on serve in the third but Zverev is looking stong and Medvedev is struggling to make in-roads. The German is two games away from a first Australian Open final.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

10:32 , Jamie Braidwood

SECOND SET! Medvedev 5-7 3-6 Zverev

It’s wild from Medvedev and Zverev breaks to move a set away from the Australian Open final.

It’s a long way back for Medvedev after playing in five sets in the quarters. Zverev is in complete control.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

10:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-7 3-5 Zverev*

Zverev goes back to serve and volley to close out a solid hold against Medvedev and move a game away from the second set. The German sixth seed has led from the front here.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

10:13 , Jamie Braidwood

BREAK! Medvedev 5-7 2-3 Zverev*

That’s a fine forehand strike from Zverev to get a look at two break points, on 15-40. Zverev had a chance at the net before Medvedev produces the ace.

But Zverev gets his reward by playing the more aggressive game from the baseline, finding the backhand winner down the line.

Medvedev goes for the drop shot! The double bounce beats Zverev! Another epic game.

Zverev, though, continues to attack Medvedev and finally get the break. The German is in control.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

10:08 , Jamie Braidwood

*Medvedev 5-7 2-2 Zverev

Zverev rallies back from 0-30 with the old balls to level the second set. The German had a break point at the start of the second but Medvedev saved.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:48 , Jamie Braidwood

FIRST SET! Medvedev 5-7 Zverev

A staggering 51-shot rally goes Zverev’s way as the German produces a stunning pick-up volley at the net.

Another gruelling rally follows, as Zverev again finds his way past Medvedev by going to the net to seal set point.

Incredible opening set. An hour long and almost every point is a marathon.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 5-6 Zverev*

Unreal - Zverev gets tight as he tries to serve this out as Medvedev drags him into a 40-shot really on deuce. Zverev puts his volley into the net but then saves his second break point of this game.

This is physical.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:35 , Jamie Braidwood

BREAK! Medvedev 5-6 Zverev*

Another twist! Zverev wins a brutal rally as Medvedev nets on the forehand, and on break point he is able to lob Medvedev to get the break back.

Can he serve it out at the second attempt?

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:30 , Jamie Braidwood

BREAK! *Medvedev 5-5 Zverev

Medvedev grinds a nervous Zverev down from the baseline as the German’s forehand crumbles under the weight of the punishing rallies.

Medvedev was down a double break and I had written this opening set off, but he’s somehow found a way back into it.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 4-5 Zverev*

Zverev is closing the net well and Medvedev is finding himself stuck at the back of the court. The German will serve for the opening set.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Medvedev 3-4 Zverev*

Medvedev gets one of those breaks back in this topsy-turvy opening set. Even by his standards, Medvedev’s return position is a joke today: he’s stood a good three or four metres behind the baseline.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

09:08 , Jamie Braidwood

BREAK! Medvedev 1-4 Zverev*

Jeeez. A shocker of an opening set from Medvedev. Another double fault hands Zverev the double break and this first set looks done already. There’s a long way to go, but Zverev could not have asked for a better start.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

08:54 , Jamie Braidwood

BREAK! Medvedev 1-2 Zverev*

Zverev strikes first as he breaks Medvedev to love! A double fault from Medvedev gives Zverev the opportunity and the German steps in behind his backhand to power the winner.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

08:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! There will be a new Australian Open champion this season. So, will it be Medvedev or Zverev who joins Sinner in the final?

I think this goes looooong.

Australian Open LIVE: Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev

08:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Incredibly, Medvedev and Zverev have played each other 18 times but this is their first meeting at a grand slam.

Medvedev has had the edge in the head-to-head recently. They played each other seven times last year and Medvedev won six of them.

Both players have come through two five-setters on their way to the semi-final.

This could be a long one too.

Australian Open LIVE

08:23 , Jamie Braidwood

An honest Novak Djokovic reflects on his defeat to Jannik Sinner and says it is “one of the worst grand slam matches” he’s ever played.

“Well, first I want to congratulate Sinner for playing a great match, great tournament so far. He’s deservedly in the finals. He outplayed me completely today.

“Look, I was, in a way, shocked with my level, you know, in a bad way. There was not much I was doing right in the first two sets (smiling).

“Yeah, I guess this is one of the worst Grand Slam matches I’ve ever played. At least that I remember.

“Yeah, not a very pleasant feeling playing this way. But at the same time, you know, credit to him for doing everything better than me, you know, in every aspect of the game.

“I tried, I fought. I managed to kind of raise the level a little bit in the third, saved match point, played a good tiebreak. But again, you know, the fourth set, very bad game to lose, you know, 40-Love up on 1-2, and kind of against the wind a little bit. Yeah, just overall the performance-wise level of my tennis was, you know, really not great.

“I guess in those moments you just try to, you know, find the serenity, but at the same time try to uplift, you know, yourself and your game. That’s what I tried, but, you know, and the crowd was great. I think they were really fair towards both players. Lots of support for both Jannik and I.

“That’s all. You know, congratulations to him.”

Australian Open LIVE

08:15 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s been quite the morning already and we still have plenty to come: so, will it be Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev who Jannik Sinner faces in the Australian Open final?

Either way, it’s set to be a new grand slam final line-up.

Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Zverev start time: When is Australian Open semi-final?

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

08:08 , Jamie Braidwood

For the best part of the past 16 years, the Australian Open and the Rod Laver Arena has stood as Novak Djokovic’s impenetrable fortress from which he has built a record-breaking dominance over his sport. With a 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park, Djokovic entered his 11th Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner knowing he had always gone on to win the tournament after reaching this stage of the fortnight.

That record is now over. In a stunning upset, the 22-year-old Sinner claimed what is by far the biggest win of his burgeoning career to reach his first grand slam final. Given Sinner’s form at the Australian Open and his recent record against Djokovic, with wins in two of their previous three meetings, the Italian was tipped to push the 36-year-old close. But Sinner produced the unthinkable: first a landslide and then a utterly dominant 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-4 victory that brought Djokovic’s first defeat at the Australian Open since 2018 - 2,195 days ago.

Sinner will face either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev for his first grand slam title on Sunday but Djokovic’s entire year went up in smoke in the wreckage he left behind. The World No 1 was aiming to win his 25th grand slam title in Melbourne and he will have more chances to claim that record, but the opportunity to make one final assault at the ‘golden slam’ of all four majors and the Olympics in a single year is already over. And with Sinner now firmly elevating himself above his peers alongside Carlos Alcaraz as a worthy contender for the biggest titles, Djokovic will know the challenge to stay at the top is tougher than ever before.

Report:

Jannik Sinner flips Novak Djokovic’s world upside down in Australian Open shock

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:40 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

Sinner now has wins in three out of his last four wins against Djokovic.

His reaction after winning match point was telling: cool and collected, Sinner looked straight ahead to Sunday.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:27 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

THE MOMENT! Awesome from Sinner.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:26 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

Sinner ahead of his fist grand slam final, where he will play either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev:

“I don’t know what to say really. The confidence from the end of last year has kept the belief that I can play the best players in the world. I’ll go into Sunday with a smile and I’ll try my best.”

“I’ll watch the other semi-final for sure. They are incredible players and I’m a tennis fan! Hopefully it will be a great match and we’ll see what comes on Sunday.”

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:22 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

Here’s Jannik Sinner.

“It was a very, very tough match. I started off well for two sets and I felt he was not feeling great on court so I kept pushing. Then in the third set I had match point and missed the forehand, but this is tennis. I tried to get ready for the next set. I was looking forward to this match: it’s nice to have this kind of player who you can learn from. I learned a lot from Wimbledon (where Sinner lost to Djokovic in straight-sets in the semi-finals).

Sinner is asked how he has now beaten Djokovic in three of the last four matches:

“I don’t know - ask him! I think we play similar. He’s an incredible server but I tried to push and move him around the court, I’m not going to tell you the tactics. I have the feeling I’m going to play him a couple more matches. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:17 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

Djokovic departs the Rod Laver Arena to a standing ovation. It’s the first time he’s ever lost a semi-final in Melbourne.

There will not be a 25th grand slam title this month. And that dream of the golden slam goes up in smoke as well.

But it’s been an incredible run from the 10-time champion.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:14 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

There’s a warm exchange between Sinner and Djokovic at the net! Plenty of respect between the players.

On match point, Sinner raised his arms aloft - but that is a cool celebration for such a historic victory.

He’s into his first grand slam final and becomes the first player to beat Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2195 days.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:10 , Jamie Braidwood

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 Djokovic

UNREAL JANNIK SINNER!!!!!!!!!

A THUMPING FOREHAND WINNER! And Sinner claims the biggest win of his life!

Djokovic’s 33-match winning run at the Australian Open is OVER!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:07 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 3-5 Sinner

Ooooh. Sinner finds a big first serve but Djokovic gets the return in play and Sinner cracks a backhand into the net!

0-15! HUGE serve from Sinner! Massive! He puts away the forehand winner. 15-15.

Oooooh. Nerves again. A double fault from Sinner this time! And now it’s 15-30.

ACE! What a response. Sinner finds the serve out wide again. CLEAN. 30-30.

DJOKOVIC GOES LONG ON THE RETURN! Another MATCH POINT! 40-30.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 3-5 Sinner*

Djokovic puts away two forehand winners in a row to hold to love.

Over to you, Jannik Sinner. Can you close out the biggest win of your life?

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:02 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 2-5 Sinner

This is just so, so impressive from Sinner. Even Djokovic is applauding as he works his way around the court before putting Djokovic away.

Love hold. Wow. He comes into the net and shows excellent aggressive play to dispatch the volley.

ONE GAME AWAY.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

07:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 2-4 Sinner*

Djokovic holds and now needs an answer to Sinner’s serving. Quickly.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:55 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-4 Sinner

Sinner survives a nervy game while still not seeing a break point point! His serve stays strong, especially out wide, and he holds on to get the hold.

Two games away. Wow.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:50 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-3 Sinner

Sinner has not been broken all match, or faced a break point.

And the Italian makes a confident start as he covers the cover superbly and forces the error from Djokovic on the drop shot!

30-0. Crushing forehand winner from Djokovic down the line.

Now Djokovic steps up the power on his backhand side! 30-30.

Sinner hangs on behind the second-serve. 40-30. But then Djokovic plants a return onto the baseline and Sinner nets! Deuce. Djokovic has rarely been this far into a Sinner service game.

That’s a brilliant second serve from Sinner - and he follows it up with the forehand winner! Djokovic is hanging on, though, great depth again from Djokovic and it’s back to deuce.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-3 Sinner - Sinner breaks!

Remarkable... Sinner claws his way back from 40-0 after putting a wonderful angled volley past Djokovic at the net.

Suddenly it’s deuce... and Djokovic double faults!

Break point! From 40-0 up??

Djokovic goes long on the backhand!!

Unbelievable! I don’t think anyone saw that coming!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:40 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-2 Sinner

Sinner chaks off another strong hold as he pairs a first-serve with a drive volley. There’s a shadow now gradually creeping its way across the Rod Laver Arena court - as we approach the fourth hour of the contest.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 1-1 Sinner*

An early chance for Sinner! Djokovic slumps a grounstroke into the net before Sinner slides in to steer a passing shot down the line and move to 0-30.

Djokovic finds a first serve but, just like in the first two sets, Sinner takes charge in the rally. Djokovic goes long!

Two break points: it’s great defence from Sinner but Djokovic finds a way through at last on the forehand.

One more break point: Ace Djokovic!

He can’t get out of danger, though, Djokovic slides and puts another shot into the net and it’s another break point for Sinner.

Another good serve from Djokovic - Sinner can’t reply out wide. The champion is serving much better now.

Great depth from Djokovic on the forehand - Sinner’s backhand coughs up another error, and that’s a big hold.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:29 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 0-1 Sinner

Sinner won 89% of his first-serve points in the third set and is still to face a break point in the match. He again holds serve comfortably to start the fourth.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 Sinner*

Djokovic went off court and took a long break before the start of the fourth.

It’s a different match now... Sinner will serve to start.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 7-6 Sinner - Djokovic wins third set!

Now Djokovic presses the Sinner backhand... he comes into the net and Sinner has the angle for the pass, but he goes just wide! 7-6 and set point Djokovic.

Sinner blinks! His backhand goes long and Djokovic is right back in this! He wins the tiebreak and takes a 76-minute third set to stay alive!

Djokovic raises his fist to the crowd! He knows the match has only just begun.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!

Incredible recovery from Sinner! He was pushed wide by Djokovic’s forehand but covered the angle so well and fought his way back into the rally on the backhand! Suddenly it’s 4-4.

And now Sinner takes charge! Djokovic leaves a ball short and Sinner steps in to power the forehand away! He leads 5-4 with two serves to come!

Sinner presses into the net... will this be match point? No! Djokovic produces the forehand lob and it drops inside the baseline!

5-5! HUGE SERVE from Sinner and he has MATCH POINT! 6-5. Djokovic’s serve, though.

DJOKOVIC SAVES! Sinner pressed on Djokovic’s backhand but then Djokovic finds good depth and Sinner nets!

6-6!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!

Oooh. That’s nervy again from Sinner on the backhand! He finds the net and Djokovic gets the mini-break to lead 2-0 in the tiebreak.

Sinner finds the big first serve and then produces an excellent return to jam up Djokovic at the back of the court. Mini-break retrieved.

Forehand winner from Djokovic! That simply wasn’t happening in the early stages: he finds the angle to beat Sinner in the duel. 3-2.

Forehand into the net from Sinner! Djokovic has his teeth into this now. 4-2 at the change.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-6 Sinner* TIEBREAK!

Sinner’s backhand has disappeared a little in this set and a error down the line gets Djokovic to 15-15.

Sinner has been so cool in this match, though, and finds his seventh ace of the match to get back to 40-15.

Tiebreak? You bet. Sinner puts away the overhead.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

06:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 6-5 Sinner*

Ace from Djokovic.

He can then finally unload on his forehand and Sinner is unable to pick up the strike after Djokovic caught the net tape slightly.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*

Yeah, there’s going to be an extended pause here. Both players are going back to their chairs by the side of the court.

The fan is being helped out from the court by the medical emergency team so we’re set to continue. 5-5 and deuce...

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*

On deuce Sinner finds a wonderful return onto the baseline but Djokovic steadies to turn the rally in his favour.

He still can’t get the hold as his forehand flies long... back to deuce, and there’s a pause as there’s a medical emergency in the crowd.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner*

Oh, that was a chance for Sinner! After winning the opening point of the game, Sinner had the chance to place a forehand down the line but pushed it long!

From there, Djokovic wins a gutsy point of forehand exchanges but Sinner responds with his a forehand winner.

30-30. Djokovic finds his first serve and then puts away his forehand winner! He wasn’t playing anywhere near this level in the first two sets.

But Djokovic can’t come away with the hold! He fires long on the forehand and we’re going to deuce. Huge this.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:46 , Jamie Braidwood

* Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-5 Sinner

There’s a nervy forehand from Sinner into the net on the opening point but he steadies and finds the corner to catch Djokovic off balance again.

Serve out wide. Forehand winner. Impressive from Sinner.

First serve Sinner. Djokovic’s return flies long.

And that’s a very good hold from Sinner.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 5-4 Sinner*

Djokovic holds serve well and now Sinner will have to hold to stay in this third set. The Italian breezed through the first two sets but now we’ll see how he handles the scoreboard pressure.

He’s still yet to face a break point, or drop a set this tournament.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:39 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 4-4 Sinner

Sinner continues to hold firm behind serve and on the baseline. Djokovic is starting to have some more back-and-forth with his box now as we enter the crucial stages of the third set. Sinner is two games away from a stunning upset.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 4-3 Sinner*

Djokovic slams his second ace of the match up the middle to edge back ahead. After an hour and 45 minutes, he’s back in this match.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:30 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 3-3 Sinner

Impressive serving from Sinner as the 22-year-old holds to love. He’s won seven of seven first-serve points in this set.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:27 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 3-2 Sinner*

Djokovic is ticking off the service games and it’s Sinner having to answer the questions in this third set. It’s definitely more of a contest now.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:24 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 2-2 Sinner

Signs of life? It’s a rarity to see Djokovic win a baseline rally but he does so to get to 0-30 on Sinner’s serve as the Italian nets on the forehand.

Ace from Sinner! And that is a stunning backhand approach down the line from Sinner! Brave attacking play and he’s back to 30-30.

That’s another big miss from Djokovic and he slumps a backhand long on 30-30 and then Djokovic nets again on the forehand! Big hold from Sinner.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 2-1 Sinner*

If Djokovic is to find a way back into this, bookmark that hold at the start of the third. He holds again, a simpler game this time.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:15 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-6 1-1 Sinner

Another love-hold from Sinner. All the battling Djokovic is doing is on his own service games.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 1-0 Sinner*

Again, Djokovic looks heavy and out of sorts as his forehand finds the net and Sinner gets a look at 15-30.

Sinner has broken Djokovic in the opening game of both sets, can he do so again at the start of the third?

Wow - Sinner pressed for that but Djokovic wins a 23-shot rally to stay alive! Sinner nets on the backhand down the line.

There are some signs of life on the other side of the court, and yet...

Sinner controls the next point and Djokovic’s drop shot is pushed back down the line by Sinner to get to break point!

Djokovic inches from the ace... and he hangs on as he pushes Sinner deep and the Italian nets on the backhand crosscourt!

Deuce.

And that’s a huge hold from Djokovic - his best game of the match so far as he recovers Sinner’s backhand down the line, works his way back into the point and meets Sinner’s drop shot with a lovely touch.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 Sinner - Sinner wins second set!

This is the second-worst start Djokovic has ever made to a match at a grand slam. He has won just three games! He won two against Nadal in the 2020 French Open final.

It’s only been an hour and 13 minutes but Sinner is a set away from the biggest win of his life and one of the biggest upsets in Australian Open history.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

05:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-6 Sinner - Sinner wins second set!

For the first time in the match, Djokovic gets his nose into a Sinner service game at 0-30.

But the string of errors continues from Djokovic and two in a row in the rallies gets Sinner to two set points.

Djokovic digs in and blasts a forehand into the corner that Sinner can’t keep in play, but his return on deuce drifts long and it’s second set point.

First serve from Sinner... and Djokovic nets!

STUNNING! Jannik Sinner leads Novak Djokovic by two sets... 6-1 6-2.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-5 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!

Once again, Djokovic faces 0-30 on serve, making a double fault on th opening point as Sinner presses for the double break.

Djokovic, though, finds some good serving to get out of trouble and wins a baseline rally after a rare forehand error from Sinner.

But Sinner sticks in and forces the latest miss from Djokovic as he net on the forehand...

Break point: and the point of the match from Djokovic so far! He withstands Sinner’s pressure and turns defence into attack to put away the forehand winner!

It gets his fans on their feet and Djokovic raises his arms... but he can’t get the hold and a lob drifts long of the baseline to bring up a secodnd break point.

Unbelievable... Djokovic goes long on the forehand! Sinner gets the second break and surely the set?!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:47 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 2-4 Sinner

Another love-hold for Sinner. At this rate, the second set is going to slip away from Djokovic pretty quickly.

Just remarkable.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:43 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 2-3 Sinner*

Djokovic’s serve is at least coming to life now midway through this second set. It was all over the place in the opener but he’s finding his usual spots now. He holds pretty comfortably.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:41 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 1-3 Sinner

Sinner holds to love and Djokovic is still yet to make an inroad in a single return game. Sinner has only dropped seven points on serve this match.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 1-2 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!

... what is happening?! Sinner moves inside the baseline to put away the forehand winner from midcourt, getting to 15-30, before Djokovic slumps a backhand into the net.

Two break points... and the Sinner return catches Djokovic off balance! Djokovic’s backhand drifts wide!

Sinner has the set and the break!

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:33 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-6 1-1 Sinner

Djokovic finds an excellent forehand winner down the line as he, for the first time really, is able to match Sinner from the baseline. The Italian is still able to get the hold as he comes through a 16-shot rally and then thumps a strong first serve out wide. He’s still yet to face a pressure point on serve.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 1-0 Sinner*

Djokovic holds to love to start the second set, as the 10-time champion looks to get himself back into the match.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:24 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* - Sinner wins the first set!

Also, some of the worst stats from Djokovic that you will ever see.

43% first serve, 15 unforced errors vs 5 winners... 0 break points.

Djokovic is looking very subdued too.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-6 Sinner* - Sinner wins the first set!

That’s remarkable. A completely one-sided first set goes the way of Jannik Sinner and you’ve got to say Novak Djokovic’s title defence is under real threat now.

Sinner is taking control of pretty much every rally and Djokovic is struggling to match the Italian’s hitting from the baseline. Remarkable.

Sinner takes the second at the second opportunity as he lands a first serve and the forehand strike. Djokovic floats the return long.

A 35-minute opening set. A landslide.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-5 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!

My goodness... another 0-30 start for Djokovic on serve, beginning with his second double fault of the match before a forehand goes long (11 unforced errors now).

Djokovic comes into the net as he presses the forehand down the line but Sinner somehow steadies on the backhand to stay in the point... before Djokovic is unable to put him away!

The volley drifts wide and Sinner has two break points: Sinner leaps to get the backhand return in play... but... what... Djokovic goes long on the backhand from midcourt!

Sinner gets the double break and will serve for the set as the errors continue from Djokovic! That’s 13 already in six games.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:14 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 1-4 Sinner

The first real sign of hesistancy from Sinner as his drop shot from inside the baseline doesn’t clear the net cord, but he puts it behind him with another excellent forehand angle that sends Djokovic wide.

Djokovic wins an exchange at the net to put a smash away but Sinner finds his second ace of the match on the next point to hold.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

04:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 1-3 Sinner*

Djokovic gets off to a solid start on serve as Sinner makes his first couple of errors on his backhand side.

But Djokovic is looking uncharacteristically unsteady in the rallies and Sinner storms back as Djokovic makes three unforced errors in a row - almost as if he is pushing for too much!

Break point: but that’s a good serve from Djokovic, finding his spot up the middle, and he puts away the forehand winner.

Deuce.

Wonderful from Djokovic - putting away an excellent volley at the net with soft hands. On the second deuce, Sinner puts his backhand into the net and Djokovic holds to get on the board.

Nine unforced errors already from the champion.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

03:58 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 0-3 Sinner

Djokovic has made five unforced errors already. Sinner hasn’t made one.

And that continues as Sinner holds to 15 to move further ahead in this opening set.

The 22-year-old has started extremely well on serve as well as in the rallies.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

03:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 0-2 Sinner* - Sinner breaks!

Oof. Djokovic goes long on the opening point and then makes a double fault. 0-30 already for Sinner.

Djokovic then finds the line with the forehand and follows in to put away the smash - before picking his spot on serve to get back to 30-30.

Wow - Sinner finds an incredible angle after reaching a forehand out wide and Djokovic can’t respond as he finds the net!

Break point: and that’s so good from Sinner! The Italian takes charge behind his backhand as Djokovic tries to defend the forehand down the line!

Sinner puts away the drive volley and takes the opening break! Some start.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

03:51 , Jamie Braidwood

*Djokovic 0-1 Sinner

There’s a very high quality rally to start, with Sinner attacking from the off on his crisp backhand wing. Djokovic works his way into the rally well and Sinner nets on the backhand, before Djokovic makes three consecutive errors on baseline rally balls.

A strong first serve and forehand crosscourt from Sinner and Djokovic nets from wide. An assured start from the Italian.

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

03:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Djokovic 0-0 Sinner*

Novak Djokovic wins the toss and will receive first to start this match.

It’s Djokovic’s 48th grand slam semi-final, it’s only Sinner’s second.

*denotes next server

Australian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner

03:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go! Jannik Sinner leads Novak Djokovic down the walk of champions before coming out onto Rod Laver Arena.

The Italian will have walked past Djokovic’s sign and the list of his 10 Australian Open titles - he has never lost a semi-final and has won the tournament whenever he has reached this stage. That’s the size of the task facing Sinner today.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website