Jannik Sinner endured one of the most painful losses of his career on Friday night at the Australian Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set semi-final. After holding a two-sets-to-one lead, the Italian was unable to close out the match and the disappointment was evident in his post-match reflections.
“A lot,” Sinner said when asked how much the defeat hurt. “It was a very important Slam for me, of course, knowing also the background, it can happen. It was a good match from both of us. I had many chances. Couldn't use them and that's the outcome. It hurts, for sure.”
Sinner entered the match chasing a third consecutive Australian Open title and had beaten Djokovic in each of their previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings. But on Friday night on the Rod Laver Arena, the second seed was unable to capitalise on key moments, converting just two of 18 break points against the 38-year-old Serbian, according to Infosys Stats.
“I had my chances. It was in the fifth set. Many break points, I couldn't use them. He came up with some great shots,” Sinner said. “I decided a couple of different things. Today they didn't work, but that's how tennis is. I felt like also the first set was a great level from both of us. It was a bit [like] a roller coaster, and it happened like it happened today.”
Sunday will be the first time Sinner has not competed in a major final since Wimbledon in 2024, when Alcaraz defeated Djokovic. Despite the setback, the 24-year-old Sinner was full of praise for Djokovic and said the Serbian’s level came as no surprise.
“He's won 24 Grand Slams. We know each other very well, how we play. I always said, [you can not be] surprised, because I feel like he's the greatest player for many, many years," Sinner said. "Of course, he's playing less tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important Grand Slams are for me, for him, for Carlos, and everyone. There is this small extra motivation, and he played great tennis. Hopefully I can take it as kind of a lesson maybe to see what I can improve on.”
Sinner will leave Melbourne No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the same position when he arrived. The Italian, who won more points than Djokovic in the match, is a four-time major winner.
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