If Novak Djokovic says something is difficult, never dare to call it impossible. Friday night at Melbourne Park wasn’t just a tennis match – it was a reminder of what faith looks like when the world starts to doubt you. Jannik Sinner entered the semi-finals of the Australian Open with momentum, confidence and history on his side, having taken Djokovic to 10 sets in recent months. Many believed that this was the moment when the torch would finally change hands.
Djokovic believed otherwise.
In the light, after midnight, when the body screams and the mind begins to crack, he stood firm. He absorbed the pressure, embraced the painand bent the match to his will. It was grit over hype, heart over numbers. A champion that refuses to fade. Djokovic shut down all his age-old critics by winning the semi-final against Sinner. (Photo: Reuters)
Now that he’s barely recovered, Djokovic is returning to the same stage, scarred but also with purpose. Awaiting him is Carlos Alcaraz, a young force that pushed him to the edge, challenged his dominance and forced him to dig deeper than ever before.
This isn’t just the finale. A legacy is at stake. Difficult versus impossible. One final climb, one historic shot at a 25th Grand Slam title – and a chance for Novak Djokovic to prove once again that giving up was never part of his story.
SIN down, time for CARAZ?
Earlier during the press conference, one reporter suggested that Djokovic is now chasing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, just as he once chased Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic did not take it lightly. Calm but determined, he reminded the room – and the world – that he had already won 24 Grand Slam titles. His words were measured, yet carried the weight of a legend who had previously been underestimated and always answered on the court.
That sultry intensity erupted in the semifinals against Sinner. Djokovic couldn’t keep up; conquered. Every sprint, every stretch, every shot revealed a man pushing his body to its absolute limits, proving that age is no barrier when will, experience and skill collide. Alcaraz pulled off a similar, if not more intense, semi-final win against Zverev. (Photo by Reuters)
Now all eyes turn to Alcaraz. The young Spaniard is a formidable challenge – a real nut. Alcaraz has a better record at Grand Slams than Djokovic, having beaten him in previous Wimbledon finals.
Still, Djokovic is no ordinary opponent; he is a man possessed, a champion forged in battles against the greatest of his era. If anyone can break down Alcaraz’s challenge, it’s Novak Djokovic. History has shown that when he steps on the court, he doesn’t just play, he dominates.
Can Alcaraz trust again?
Like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz enters the final of the Australian Open after a grueling marathon semi-final—this time against Alexander Zverev — the longest in tournament history. It was a rollercoaster from the first point. Alcaraz dominated the first two sets with apparent ease, dictating rallies with his explosive ground game, pinpoint accuracy and relentless intensity.
He looked completely in control. But Zverev, who refused to go quietly, staged a remarkable revival, taking the next two sets and pushing the final to a nerve-wracking fifth-set tie. On the brink of defeat, Alcaraz found the courage and faith to seize a critical turning point in the dying stages and turn the match in his favor.
It was a clutch moment that echoed last year’s French Open final against Jannik Sinner, when he pulled victory from the clutches of defeat. For Alcaraz, faith is never optional—it’s a lifeline, and it’s carried him through every punishing rally, every high-pressure scenario, every grueling scene.
Now standing between him and the Australian Open trophy is Novak Djokovic, an opponent who has repeatedly tested his limits over the years. Alcaraz will need the same unwavering belief, flawless execution and mental strength to defeat Djokovic.
In addition to the title, he is chasing the career Grand Slam, a milestone he desperately wants to tick off. In terms of form and history, Alcaraz may be the favourite, but if anyone can shake him on the biggest stage, it’s Djokovic. The finale promises a clash of faith, skill and sheer will, with history awaiting the victor.
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head
Overall
- Matches – 9, Novak Djokovic – 5, Carlos Alcaraz – 4
- At the Grand Slams
- Matches – 5, Novak Djokovic – 2, Carlos Alcaraz – 3
- Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz Road to the final
Novak Djokovic
- First round: def. Pedro Martnez (Spain) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
- Second Round: Final. Francesco Maestrelli (Italy) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
- Third round: final Botic van de Zandschulp (Netherlands) 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4)
- Fourth round: Walkover vs Jakub Menk (Czech Republic)
- Quarterfinals: Walkover vs Lorenzo Musetti (Italy)
- Semi-finals: def. Jannik Sinner (Italy) 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz
- First round: def. Alex Walton (Australia) 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-2
- Second round: def. Yannick Hanfmann (Germany) 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2
- Third round: def. Corentin Moutet (France) 6-2, 6-4, 6-1
- Fourth round: def. Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-5
- Quarterfinals: def. Alex de Minaur (Australia) 7-5, 6-2, 6-1
- Semi-finals: def. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5
When to watch the Australian Open men’s singles final?
The final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will start at 14:00 IST.
Where to watch the Australian Open men’s singles final?
Sony Sports Network has the broadcast rights for the Australian Open. Live streaming of the men’s singles final will be available on the Sony LIV app.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 1, 2026
