Old Kings, New Order: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner set to shine at Australian Open ATP Tour

ATP Tour

Old king, new order: Djokovic and Sinner set to shine at Australian Open

Two-time defending champion Sinner has five straight wins against Djokovic

January 29, 2026

There are nights at Melbourne Park when the future knocks loudly and other nights when history refuses to give way. Friday’s Australian Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner promises to put the pair on a collision course.

Two-time defending champion Sinner is aiming to join Djokovic as the only men in the Open era to win three consecutive Melbourne titles, but the 38-year-old – who has a record 10 trophies to his name – still refuses to loosen his grip on his most successful tournament. Their clash is scheduled for 7:30 PM local time / 3:30 AM ET.

Although the Australian Open remains Djokovic’s home turf, Sinner has won each of his last five Lexus ATP meetings with the Serbian, including straight-sets victories in the French Open and Wimbledon semifinals last season.

🎾Sinner vs Djokovic🧐

Our comparison shows player ATP Tour 52-week averages 📊#TennisInsights | @atptour pic.twitter.com/na5En88Gfw

— Tennis Insights (@tennis_insights) January 29, 2026

Sinner, for his part, was quick to frame the match with respect and perspective.

“It’s great that Novak is playing at this level,” Sinner said of Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. “It’s a Grand Slam and it’s always very difficult to play against Novak… I think he’s the most professional athlete in our locker room. I try to be as professional as possible as well.

“He has a lot of experience. He knows how to deal with every situation in the best way. As a 24-year-old, I’m lucky to have someone like him in front of me and I hope to learn something. I feel like every day, every time he plays, I learn something about him, about Carlos, about all the other great players.”

“I think the way he plays, the way he moves, if you’re not professional you can’t reach this level. He’s an inspiration to all of us, especially the young players.”

Sinner’s evolution has been underpinned by ruthless baseline efficiency and improved finishing instincts, qualities that have repeatedly troubled Djokovic in recent matches. The 24-year-old’s ability to carve out time offsets the Serbian’s renowned defensive resilience.

For Djokovic, the tactical requirements are very high if he wants to turn the tide and occupy a place in his 11th Australian Open final. Variety is crucial, as it was late in the season at Roland Garros last year, but above all, Djokovic must impose uncertainty.

The PIF ATP No. 4 player knows the scale of the challenge.

“He’s playing at such a high level now with Carlos. They are two of the best players in the world,” Djokovic said. “[They are] Definitely a favorite, but you never know… hopefully I can put my best foot forward in that game because that’s what it takes to at least have a chance. “

Last year, Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, before the Spaniard got revenge on his way to the US Open title. Sinner and Alcaraz have split the past eight major titles, creating a rivalry that many believe will define the next era.

But Djokovic never measures himself by trends.

“Are they better than me and everyone else right now? Yes, they are,” Djokovic admitted. “The quality and level is amazing. It’s fantastic. It’s amazing. But does that mean I’m going to leave with a white flag? No.”