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Agence France-Presse

Novak Djokovic knows all too well the mountain he must scale to capture an elusive record 25th grand slam crown, but the Serbian great is not ready to “walk out with a white flag” just yet.
The 38-year-old was gifted passage into an Australian Open semi-final showdown with Jannik Sinner after Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt when in complete control of their last-eight clash, 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
It followed a free ride through the fourth round when Jakub Mensik withdrew without a ball being hit.
His charmed run has pitted the 38-year-old against world number two and double defending champion Sinner in a blockbuster on Rod Laver Arena on Friday.
Djokovic needs to reverse a run of five straight defeats to the Italian to make his 11th Australian Open final, where either Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz or German third seed Alexander Zverev awaits.
Djokovic was crushed by Sinner in last year’s French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals, but remains optimistic he can still pull off an upset.

“I’m creating my own history and I think I’ve been very clear when I say what my intention is in terms of achievements and objectives and results,” Djokovic, who is into a mind-blowing 55th grand slam semi-final, said.
“I want to get to the championship match in every tournament, particularly slams.
“Are they [Sinner and Alcaraz] better right now than me and all the other guys? Yes, they are. I mean, the quality and the level is amazing.
“But does that mean that I walk out with a white flag? No. I’m going to fight until the last shot, until the last point, and do my very best to challenge them.”
Ten-time Melbourne winner Djokovic has been trying to move past Margaret Court and clinch a landmark 25th major since his last one at the US Open in 2023.
It has proved increasingly difficult with the emergence of Sinner and Alcaraz, who have shared every slam title since then.
Despite being odds-on favourite, Sinner said he was still learning from Djokovic and would not be underestimating him.
“He is I think the most professional athlete we have here in the locker room,” he said.
“Obviously he has a huge package of experience. You see him on the court, you know he knows how to handle every situation the best possible way.
“Me, as a 24-year-old, I’m lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something.
“I feel like every day, every time he plays, I can learn something about him, about Carlos, about all the other great, great players.
“He’s an inspiration for all of us and especially the young players.”
Alcaraz is on his own mission – to become the youngest man to complete a career grand slam of all four majors aged just 22. Rafael Nadal did it at 24.
He has been in ominous form so far in Melbourne, but faces a tricky challenge in Zverev, who is still seeking an elusive first major crown at the age of 28.

The German made the final last year and was thumped by Sinner before his season was blighted by shoulder, back and ankle injuries.
But he is pain-free and, with a newly aggressive approach, could pose a threat.
“I feel happy on court because I am playing pain-free and I’m playing a good level,” he said.
“I’ve worked on my aggressive game. I’ve worked on my first shots after the serve, my first forehand after the serve, maybe a bit more serve and volleying as well.
“If those things work for me, then I think success will come as well.”
Alcaraz, who is into his first Australian Open semi-final, practised with the German before the tournament and noted that his level was “really, really high”.
“It’s going to be a great battle,” he said. “I will be ready, for sure.
“I will be well prepared for that match. If he wants to beat me, he has to sweat a lot.”


Australian Open: Alcaraz beats Djokovic in men’s final, completes career grand slam

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz have tennis history in their sights in Australian Open final

Ice-cool Rybakina gets revenge over Sabalenka in tense Australian Open final

Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai win the Australian Open women’s doubles title

Australian Open

Novak Djokovic faces tough test against Jannik Sinner in bid to reach Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic needs to reverse a run of five straight defeats to Jannik Sinner to make his 11th Australian Open final. Photo: AP

Jannik Sinner (left) beat Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year. Photo: Reuters

Carlos Alcaraz has been in sparkling form at the Australian Open. Photo: Xinhua

China bans 73 people from all football for life, hits 13 teams with fines, loss of points

Former China head coach Li Tie is among the 73 people who have been banned from all football-related activities for life. Photo: AFP

Li Tie, former head coach of Chinese national team, stands trial in March 2024. Photo: CCTV

Former CFA president Chen Xuyuan during his trial in March 2024. Photo: AFP 

Wedding bells follow women’s silver as Hong Kong 100 star pops question at finish line

Karen Zeto proposes to her boyfriend after crossing the HK100 finish line. Photo: Karen Zeto and Mark Yu

Karen Zeto was happy to receive her boyfriend’s support during the race: Photo: Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon

Mark Yu’s teammate Wong Tsz-to (second left) was also at the checkpoints and finish line. Photo: Karen Zeto and Mark Yu

Sport

Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz plays Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final, with the Spaniard aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career grand slam


Carlos Alcaraz plays Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final, with the Spaniard aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career grand slam.


Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic

Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic faces tough test against Jannik Sinner in bid to reach Australian Open final

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Carlos Alcaraz plays Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final, with the Spaniard aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career grand slam

Carlos Alcaraz plays Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final, with the Spaniard aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career grand slam