Jannik Sinner has shattered Novak Djokovic's aura of invincibility to storm into his maiden grand slam final, with a seismic Australian Open victory over the super Serb.
Fans have been wondering for years when the next generation would finally arrive and Sinner answered the question emphatically on Friday with a 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 dispatch of Djokovic.
The king of Melbourne Park had entered the much-anticipated match with a perfect 10-from-10 record in the Australian Open semi-finals.
It had also been six years since Djokovic had lost a match in Australia, which he did in 2018 in the fourth round to South Korea's Chung Hyeon - a period which includes his 2022 deportation from the country due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.
But before the tie, Djokovic had given an ominous interview sharing how the annual trips Down Under had become more taxing on his body.
Asked about the feeling of making his first-ever major final, Sinner seemed overwhelmed with joy.
'I don’t know what to say really,' he began. 'I started with a couple of exhibition matches, trying to come here as prepared as possible.
'The confidence from the 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.'
