After a five-set battle, the Serbian reaches the final: “I have incredible respect for Sinner, only legends stay on court until 2 a.m.”

He spreads his arms, kneels, and makes the sign of the cross. Novak Djokovic, eternal hero, beats Jannik Sinner and returns to the Slam final. The dream of number 25 is still alive, Carlos Alcaraz stands in the way, but this Nole seems capable of anything, filled with an energy similar to that which led him to Olympic gold against the Spaniard in 2024: “I can’t find the words,” he says, in a state of confusion. It seems surreal to play for four hours and finish at 2 a.m., it reminds me of the match against Rafa in 2012. I have incredible respect for Jannik, he pushed me to the limit. There are some legends who stayed until 2 a.m. I love this passionate relationship. This was perhaps the night I had the most support in Australia.”

Towards the final— These days and last year, he said that Sinner and Alcaraz are on another level: “I said it would be difficult to beat them, but not that I wouldn’t try. The match between Zverev and Alcaraz was incredible. I saw Carlos before I started, and he apologized for delaying my match. I told him I’m old and have to go to bed early…” The race to become a legend excites him: “I feel like I’ve already won. I can’t wait to face Carlos, the world number 1. And I hope the gods will let the best man win.”