Novak Djokovic has ensured it will not be ‘Sincaraz’ but ‘Djokaraz’ in the Australian Open final after being “pushed to the very limit” in stunning Jannik Sinner in a five-set marathon to move to the brink of history. 

The Serb, 38, rolled back the years to beat two-time reigning champ Sinner 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in four hours and nine minutes of nail-biting action. Djokovic kneeled on the court and was lost for words. “It feels surreal, to be honest,” said Djokovic, who had lost the five previous matches to Italian Sinner, 24. He added: “The level of intensity and quality of tennis, was extremely high, and I knew that was the only way to have a chance to win tonight against him. Jokes aside, I told him at the net, thanks for allowing me at least one [win] in the last couple of years. I have tremendous respect for him. He pushes you to the very limit; he did tonight to me.”