A tight escape! In the third set, ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic saves match point to continue his title defense against
When world No. 1 Novak Djokovic was surprised in the opening two sets of his men’s semi-final match by Jannik Sinner on Friday, it appeared as though his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title—and his 11th Australian Open crown—would have to wait until at least January of next year.
The Italian player, 22, from San Candido, took entire control of the match early on, leaving the Serbian superstar, who has almost turned Rod Laver Arena into his personal playground in recent years, without any replies.
Sinner maintained her composure right away, while Djokovic startled the enthusiastic audience by committing an astounding 44 unintentional errors in the first three sets.
Commentator Jim Courier observed, “I have never seen Novak beaten like this at any tournament…you would have to take a good long look in the past for that,” after the player lost the opening sets 6-1, 6-2.
“This has been practically unbelievable.”
When Novak Djokovic faced Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal, he appeared to be at a loss for words.
Djokovic’s weakness turned out to be his serving, as fourth-seeded Sinner broke him almost easily.
However, the seasoned player fought hard to force a tiebreak and advance into the third set.
The Italian served to take the match at 6-6 (5-6), but Djokovic showed no fear as he held on to win the point 6-6 (8-6).
Unsettlingly, Djojkovic acknowledged to Channel Nine Today show anchor Karl Stefanovic prior to the match that his yearly travels to Australia are wearing him out physically.
“As time goes on, I do find it more and more difficult,” Djokovic admitted.
“This is most likely the longest trip we take all year,” the journey to Australia is lengthy.
“It’s a lot to be gone for five weeks.”
The match victor will have to wait to find out either third seed Daniil Medvedev or controversial German Alexander Zverev will face off in the championship round on Sunday.
Over the past year, Djokovic and Sinner have faced off four times, with the prizes being evenly split each time.
Sinner emerged victorious in the Wimbledon semi-finals, but the 36-year-old representing his nation lost to the Serbian in the November Davis Cup semi-finals.
Sinner, waiting for his opponent to change into a different outfit off the court, lost his composure in an unusual way after dropping the third set.
The Canadian Open winner, seeking some shade on his bench, angrily knocked over his water bottles.
