Jannik Sinner about painful defeat Novak Djokovic: ‘It certainly hurts’ | ATP tour | Tennis

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Sinner about painful defeat Djokovic: ‘It certainly hurts’

It is the first time that the number 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has not reached a major final since Wimbledon 2024
January 30, 2026

Jannik Sinner suffered one of the most painful losses of his career at the Australian Open on Friday evening, losing to Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set semi-final. After taking a two sets to one lead, the Italian was unable to close out the match and the disappointment was evident in his post-match reflections.

“A lot,” Sinner said when asked how much the defeat hurt. “It was of course a very important Slam for me, because I also know the background, it can happen. It was a good match for both of us. I had a lot of opportunities. I couldn’t take them and that is the outcome. It certainly hurts.”

Sinner went into the match chasing a third consecutive Australian Open title and had defeated Djokovic in each of their previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings. But on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena, the second seed was unable to capitalize on key moments, converting just two of 18 break points against the 38-year-old Serb, according to Infosys Stats.

“I had my chances. It was in the fifth set. Lots of break points, I couldn’t use them. He came up with some great shots,” Sinner said. “I decided a few different things. Today they didn’t work, but that’s how tennis is. I felt like the first set from both of us was also at a great level. It was a bit [like] a roller coaster, and it happened the way it happened today.”

Sunday will mark the first time Sinner has not played in a major final since Wimbledon in 2024, when Alcaraz defeated Djokovic. Despite the setback, 24-year-old Sinner was full of praise for Djokovic and said the Serb’s level was no surprise.

“He has won 24 Grand Slams. We know each other very well, how we play. I always said: [you can not be] surprised, because I feel like he has been the best player for many, many years,” Sinner said. “Of course he plays fewer tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important Grand Slams are for me, for him, for Carlos and everyone. There is a little extra motivation and he played great tennis. Hopefully I can take it as a lesson of sorts, perhaps to see what I can improve on.

Sinner leaves Melbourne number 2 in the PIF ATP rankings, the same position when he arrived. The Italian, who scored more points than Djokovic in the match, is a four-time major winner.