Novak Djokovic, at 38, continues to defy age and expectations, storming into the Australian Open 2026 final with a gritty 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. Retirement rumors only sharpened his focus, propelling him one win away from a historic 25th Grand Slam.

In his post-match press conference, the 24-time major winner was candid. ‘You know, I’ve never stopped believing in myself,’ Djokovic said. ‘Lots of folks doubted me—experts kept retiring me in their minds over the years. I owe them thanks; they gave me the strength to shut them up.’

Djokovic praised Sinner’s quality, pointing out the semifinalist’s edge from Musetti’s prior withdrawal due to injury. Yet, it was Djokovic’s resilience that shone. ‘Grand Slams test you when you’re not at your peak,’ he explained. ‘You dig deep and find ways to victory, even if the tennis isn’t perfect.’

Against a rival who’s had the upper hand lately, mental preparation proved decisive. ‘Clarity on strategy was crucial,’ he noted. ‘It’s one thing to plan; another to implement it on court against top-tier Sinner.’

The final pits Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. For the Serb, it’s a shot at immortality with 25 Slams. Alcaraz seeks his maiden AO title, completing a career Grand Slam and etching his name as the youngest to do so. Tennis fans are in for a treat.