Novak Djokovic’s Loss to Jannik Sinner Shocks Fans as Australian Open Win Streak Ends

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A new era in tennis may finally be upon us.

Jannik Sinner upset Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 to advance to the finals of the 2024 Australian Open on Friday, a triumph that may finally mark the end of the Djokovic-Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer era in tennis.

Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday. Medvedev defeated Alexander Zverev 5-7, 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 6-3 in a five-set thriller in Friday’s other semifinal.

Sinner’s victory ensures this will be the first time since 2014 that Djokovic, Nadal or Federer did not win the year’s first major. The trio had won 17 of the past 18 Australian Opens overall, with Stan Wawrinka’s 2014 triumph being the only exception.

“I was, in a way, shocked with my level, you know, in a bad way,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “There was not much I was doing right in the first two sets. I guess this is one of the worst Grand Slam matches I’ve ever played. At least that I remember.”

The win marks Sinner’s third over Djokovic since November. The 22-year-old will be making his first career Grand Slam finals appearance and is seemingly setting himself up with Carlos Alcaraz as the heir apparents to the throne.

Djokovic has won 10 Australian Open titles, four more than any other man in history. He entered having not lost at the event since 2018, having won three straight championships from 2019 to 2021 before missing the tournament in 2022 after being deported due to his decision to not undergo COVID-19 vaccination.

Djokovic returned in 2023 and regained his title.

With Nadal sitting out due to injury and Federer now long retired, Djokovic was the last remaining vestige of a dwindling era in the sport. We’ll have to see if Sinner can parlay this career achievement with his first major over the weekend.