Novak Djokovic saves match point Australian Open Jannik Sinner

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was stunned by Jannik Sinner in the first two sets of the Australian Open semi-final.

Novak Djokovic's pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title and 11th Australian Open victory seemed to be put on hold after a shocking start in his men's semi-final against Jannik Sinner. The Serbian superstar, known for dominating Rod Laver Arena, struggled to find his footing against the composed 22-year-old from Italy. Djokovic's uncharacteristic 44 unforced errors in the first three sets left the crowd and commentators in disbelief, with Jim Courier expressing his astonishment at seeing Djokovic beaten in such a manner.

In stark contrast, Sinner displayed remarkable consistency and control, swiftly claiming a two-set lead. Djokovic's serving weaknesses were exposed, allowing Sinner to seemingly break him at will. However, the resilient veteran managed to rally and force a tiebreak in the third set, ultimately securing a crucial win to avoid a premature exit.

Djokovic's pre-match admission of the physical toll of his annual trips to Australia hinted at the challenges he faces in maintaining his peak performance. The extended time away from home and the demanding nature of the journey have taken a toll on the tennis icon, raising concerns about his ability to sustain his dominance on the court.

The outcome of the semi-final will determine the opponent for the final showdown on Sunday, with either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev waiting in the wings. The history between Djokovic and Sinner adds an intriguing layer to their clash, as their previous encounters have resulted in a split of victories, showcasing the competitive rivalry between the two players.

Despite the initial setback, Djokovic's resilience and ability to navigate through adversity were evident as he salvaged himself from a potential defeat on Australia Day. The unexpected turn of events has set the stage for an enthralling battle to determine the finalist of the Australian Open.