AGENCIES

Novak Djokovic knows better than anyone the mountain he must climb to capture a record 25th Grand Slam title, but the Serbian legend is far from surrendering.

The 38-year-old cruised into the Australian Open semifinals after Lorenzo Musetti retired while trailing 6-4, 6-3, 1-3, following an earlier walkover against Jakub Mensik.

His reward is a blockbuster clash with world number two and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has beaten Djokovic in their last five meetings. Djokovic will need to reverse that trend to reach his 11th Australian Open final, where either Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev awaits.

Despite heavy losses to Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon last year, Djokovic remains defiant, insisting he will “fight until the last shot” as he chases history. The ten-time Melbourne champion is seeking his first major since the 2023 US Open, but the rise of Sinner and Alcaraz has made the task tougher.

Sinner, however, was full of respect, calling Djokovic an inspiration and praising his professionalism and experience.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz is chasing a career Grand Slam at just 22 and faces Zverev, who is pain-free and playing aggressive tennis. With two thrilling semi-finals ahead, Melbourne is set for a dramatic showdown.