Carlos Alcaraz v Novak Djokovic rivalry 'the best in tennis', says Jannik Sinner after reaching Australian Open semis

Jannik Sinner has said that Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic's rivalry is "the best in tennis" after he progressed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Sinner beat home favourite Alex de Minaur in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena, but not before Djokovic had sensationally knocked out Alcaraz the day previously, defeating the Spaniard in a thrilling four-set encounter 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4.

Sinner dominates De Minaur to reach semi-finals - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

Jannik Sinner has labelled Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s rivalry as "the best in tennis" after the pair played each other at the Australian Open.

Djokovic came out on top on Tuesday night, in a thrilling four-set match that did not conclude until past 1am in the morning in Melbourne.

Djokovic, the 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, came through 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to end Alcaraz's bid to complete his career Grand Slam this season, with the young Spaniard needing just the Australian Open crown to complete his collection.

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The 37-year-old Serb, however, is on the hunt for his 11th title 'down under', and he sets up a fascinating semi-final match-up against Alexander Zverev, who beat Tommy Paul in four sets to earn a shot at the 24-time Grand Slam champion and move a step closer to a maiden major title.

Sinner himself progressed with ease into the last four, knocking out the final Aussie hope Alex de Minaur in straight sets, 6-3 6-2 6-1, in dominant fashion.

In his on-court interview with Jim Courier, Sinner, the world No. 1, gave his thoughts on the Alcaraz-Djokovic rivalry, after the elder beat the future in the 'battle of generations'.

Sinner reacts to Djokovic beating Alcaraz after overcoming De Minaur

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I watched [Alcaraz v Djokovic] till the end, because I could sleep longer," Sinner said.

"It was an amazing match. These kinds of match-ups are tough to see in the quarter-finals. They should be the final or semi-final. We all want these kinds of rivalries.

"Carlos and Novak is the best rivalry we have in tennis. It was an amazing match-up with some amazing rallies. Let’s see what’s coming this season. New players are coming, young players are coming. Hopefully there are going to be some great rivalries."

Sinner is down 6-4 against Alcaraz in the pair’s head-to-head record on the ATP Tour, while he is level at 4-4 with Djokovic in the eight times they have faced each other.

The Italian, and defending Australian Open champion, came out on top the last time he played Djokovic, beating him in straight sets in the final of the Shanghai Masters, while Alcaraz got the better of him on all three occasions that they clashed in 2024, with the last time out coming in the final of Beijing.

Sinner will face Ben Shelton in the last four in Melbourne, with the young American prodigy beating the only unseeded player left in the draw - Lorenzo Sonego - in four sets.