• Jannik Sinner beats Djokovic in the epic Australian Open semi-final.
• Djokovic’s Grand Slam record chase came to an end.
• Sinner: “Awesome! So happy to reach my first final!”

Jannik Sinner was ecstatic after defeating Novak Djokovic and securing his spot in the Australian Open final on Friday. Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title was ended by Sinner in the semi-final with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 victory.

During the on-court interview, Sinner expressed his excitement and gratitude, saying, “Yeah, awesome. I don’t know what to say really. I started off with a couple exhibition matches, trying to come here as prepared as possible. The confidence from end of last year has for sure kept the belief that I can play with the best players in the world.

“I’m really happy I can play Sunday my first final. Let’s see how it goes. But I’m really happy. I come here with a smile. I’ll try my best.”

Sinner, who beat Djokovic twice in three matches at the end of last season, took advantage of his opponent’s shaky serve and error-prone backhand to convincingly win the opening two sets. Sinner was in control of the third set as well, but Djokovic raised his game to stay firm until the tiebreak. However, the Italian fluffed a match point, while also losing the set, to give his opponent a lifeline. Sinner didn’t let that affect his game and broke for a 3-1 lead in the fourth set and ran away with the match.

Reflecting on the match, Sinner said, “It was a very tough match. I started really well. He missed for two sets. I felt like he wasn’t feeling great. I tried to keep pushing. In set three, I had match point but I missed a forehand. This is tennis. I tried to be ready for the next set which I started really well.

“The atmosphere was so great. I was looking forward to this match. It’s always nice to have this kind of player who you can learn from. I lost last year in the semis of Wimbledon. I learned a lot from that. It’s part of the process. I’m really happy to share this with you guys and also with my team.”

Sinner is also the youngest Australian Open men’s singles finalist since Djokovic in 2008, having turned 22 years and 163 days old.

Sinner is the first tennis player from Italy to ever make it to the Australian Open singles final.

In Sunday’s championship round, Sinner will take on either third-seeded Daniil Medvedev or sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev.

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