Australian Open: Jannik Sinner downs Novak Djokovic in famous victory to reach final at Melbourne Park

It was predicted by many that this semi-final would be one to remember, but few seriously saw Jannik Sinner actually managing to overcome the king of Melbourne Park, Novak Djokovic, in their blockbuster clash at the Australian Open on Friday. The Italian produced a monumental performance to stifle his legendary opponent from the very outset and complete a famous four-set victory.

Jannik Sinner produced the best performance of his career so far as he stunned 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic to reach the final at Melbourne Park.

The Italian stormed two-sets up and then clinched an imperious victory in four, 6-1 6-2, 6-7(6) 6-3, to leave everyone inside Rod Laver Arena utterly blown away - including his illustrious opponent - as he reached his maiden Grand Slam final.

It was a truly staggering showing from the 22-year-old in dominating for large parts a semi-final that many believed would be a formality for Djokovic in reaching yet another tournament showpiece. Incredibly, this was the first completed Grand Slam match in which the great Serb did not manage to muster a solitary break point, making what Sinner achieved all the more remarkable.

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Sinner showed from the very start of the match that he was in no mood to entertain such a ceremonial defeat at the hands of the 24-time Grand Slam champion as he immediately broke serve and stamped his authority on proceedings.

But even after he had raced to win the opening set in just 35 minutes, it felt like a certainty that the ever-immovable Djokovic would simply put it down to figuring out his opponent and duly roar back in style.

Not on this occasion. Sinner was simply unflinching and relentless, and he slowly turned the screw as the world No. 1 wilted in a startling fashion to be broken twice more in fairly quick succession.

When Djokovic slipped to losing the second set 6-2, it would mark the worst start he had suffered in a Grand Slam semi-final in his entire career.

Sinner takes an 'extraordinarily comfortable' first set against Djokovic

Video credit: TNT Sports

An alarming 30 unforced errors in just two sets from the Serb served to demonstrate not only how off the pace he was on the day, but also how perfectly Sinner executed his game plan and made life miserable for his opponent.

To focus on the 36-year-old's struggles would be an injustice to Sinner, though, who was sublime in every aspect of his game. He was ruthless on return, clinical with every opening from the back of the court and immaculate on his own serve.

Djokovic, who clearly sensed the urgency as he was roared on by his fans, belatedly managed to find some rhythm on his delivery at the start of the third set - but even then, only after he had battled through an extended deuce on his opening hold.

Some wondered if the scheduling of the quarter-finals, which saw Sinner have to defeat Andrey Rublev extremely late on Tuesday, might impact on his energy levels for this clash, but the Italian continued to look both fresh and sharp, even as the match wore on.

Magnificent Sinner takes second set as Djokovic looks to be in big trouble

Video credit: TNT Sports

The third set showcased much more of the Djokovic that we all know, but still Sinner held firm and refused to drop his intensity at all as each held serve in a fiercely contested exchange.

After a fan required medical assistance in the stands that delayed play deep in the third set, a tense tie-break ensued with Djokovic taking the early initiative. It was clear that this breaker would be critical to his hopes of finding a comeback.

Indeed, the Serb seized his opportunity to find a way back into the match and took an engrossing tie-break 8-6 with typically precise play under the most intense pressure with the result on the line, saving a match point along the way.

Sinner could so easily have buckled after losing the breaker, but he was undeterred as he roared back once more to break and lead 3-1 in the fourth set, as though entirely oblivious to the blip he had suffered.

The Italian delighted his fans by keeping his composure to consolidate his advantage and establish an impressive cushion as Djokovic slowly began to realise that he could not find all the answers he needed.

'Ask him!' - Sinner jokes about why he is such a difficult opponent for Djokovic

Video credit: TNT Sports

The fourth seed became the first Italian to reach the final at the Australian Open as he clinched a famous victory in style in the Melbourne sunshine as Djokovic suffered a very rare defeat on his favourite court.

In his on-court interview, Sinner made it abundantly clear that he considered both Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev - his potential opponents in Sunday's showpiece - as "incredible players" with the ultimate respect their way.

“I will watch [the other semi-final]," he admitted to Jim Courier. "I’m a huge tennis fan. It’s good to watch. I’m more relaxed now.

“They are incredible players. They have met so many times and it’s going to be interesting. Sascha is playing back at 100%; he’s playing great. Daniil too. It’s going to be a great match, and we’ll see what comes on Sunday.”

Sinner had previously reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year and the quarter-finals at the French Open and the US Open, but he will now experience his first taste of a major showpiece on Sunday. Given the form he has been in at Melbourne Park, he will have every chance of glory.

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