Carlos Alcaraz looked set to own the moment after a punishing semifinal win over Alexander Zverev on Friday, a match built on grit, stamina and nerve.

For a few hours, it felt like the Australian Open finally had its defining act.

Then Novak Djokovic walked out and reminded everyone why he never plays second fiddle. At 38, the Serbian delivered one of the most astonishing wins of his long career, knocking out Jannik Sinner. 

Until then, the second week of the tournament had been short on drama, with top seeds cruising through the men’s and women’s draws. Alcaraz’s win over Zverev was just the fourth match since the last 16 that avoided a straight-sets finish. Djokovic and Sinner quickly made it five.

Djokovic’s victory also closed the door on another Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner, a meeting many expected to see again. Instead, tennis fans will get a familiar heavyweight clash, as Djokovic and Alcaraz meet for a third major title, following their Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024.

Before that, attention turns to Saturday’s women’s final, where Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina face off. With two of the hardest hitters on the WTA Tour sharing the court, sparks are guaranteed.