World Number 1 Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Australia Open in a major upset following a shocking defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. Ranked three places below the maestro, Jannik Sinner won the first two sets consecutive sets 6-2 and 6-1. While Djokovic did redeem himself, in the third, but Sinner won the fourth set 6-3 as he made his way into his first Grand Slam Final.
The Italian player, who had previously defeated Novak Djokovic twice within a span of two weeks in 2023, demonstrated full control in the opening set and secured a decisive 6-1 victory.
Jannik Sinner became only the third player to limit Djokovic to one game or less in the opening set of the Melbourne Major. The first instance of this feat occurred when former World No. 1 Marat Safin defeated Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 in the Serb’s Grand Slam debut.
The second occurrence was in 2013 when Stan Wawrinka, the eventual opponent, secured a 6-1 victory in the opening set at the Australian Open, marking another rare instance of Djokovic facing such a setback in the early stages of the tournament.