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MELBOURNE – The Australian Open will crown a new men’s champion after Jannik Sinner shock holder Novak Djokovic to reach the final, where the Italian faces twice runner-up Daniil Medvedev, who came from two sets down to outlast Alexander Zverev on a thrilling day yesterday.

Sinner roared to a 6-1 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3 win that handed top seed Djokovic his first defeat at Melbourne Park in six years to move into his maiden Grand Slam title clash.

Later on Rod Laver Arena, Russian third seed Medvedev got past his German opponent 5-7 3-6 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 for a second comeback win from two sets down in the tournament after he had battled past Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round.

Fourth seed Sinner was far more efficient as he provided a masterclass in tennis in the opening two sets to put the wheels in motion for Djokovic’s only defeat in the semi-finals of his favourite major.

It also made the 22-year-old the only player from his nation to reach an Australian Open singles final.

In marking the arrival of a new generation of tennis stars, the Melbourne title clash tomorrow will also be the first since 2005 not to feature Djokovic or fellow “Big Three” members Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.

“It was a very, very tough match,” said Sinner, who did not face a single break point in his match.

“I started out very well, for two sets I felt that he was not feeling too good on court so I just tried to keep pushing and then in the third set I had match point and I missed the forehand, but you know, this is tennis.

“I just tried to be ready for the next set, which I started off really well, and of course the atmosphere was so great. It’s so great to play here.”

Sinner stunned Djokovic twice in three matches at the end of last season and he made a rollicking start on Rod Laver Arena by targeting his 36-year-old opponent’s shaky serve and error-prone backhand to comfortably win the opening set.

Djokovic had not lost at his favourite stomping ground since the 2018 edition when he crashed to South Korean Chung Hyeon and there were worrying signs for the 10-times Melbourne champion as the 22-year-old Sinner eased through the next set. – Reuters.