Novak Djokovic beats defending two-time champion Janik Sinner to reach the Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic lived out his halcyon days in a five-set classic, beating Jannik Sinner at a thrilling Rod Laver Arena to become the oldest man in the professional era to reach the Australian Open final.

Four months shy of his 39th birthday, Djokovic proved he remains unbeatable on this day as he defeated the double defending champion 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 at 1:32am on Saturday (14:32 GMT on Friday) in Melbourne.

“Honestly, it was surreal to play for over four hours,” Djokovic said on court.

“I was thinking about the 2012 final against Rafa[Nadal]which was almost six hours.

“There was a lot of intensity and quality (against Sinner) and that’s the only way to have a chance of winning.

“He’s won the last five games against me and he has my mobile number, so tonight I had to change my number.

“Jokes aside, I said in front of the net: ‘Thank you for at least giving me a chance’. Big respect, an incredible player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves applause for his performance.”

Djokovic will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, with the Spaniard having previously defeated Alexander Zverev The longest Australian Open semi-final.

Eighteen years after his first Melbourne title, Djokovic will go for a record 11th Grand Slam title against Alcaraz and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title that he has never won.

Djokovic needed incredible luck to reach the semifinals, while his quarterfinal opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured after taking the first two sets.

The Serbian also won comfortably in the fourth round when Jakub Mensik withdrew.

But it was hard work and mental toughness that gave Djokovic the edge against Sinner, who had beaten him in five previous matches.

Victory came reluctantly.

He had to save numerous break points in the deciding set before finally seeing off Sinner’s serve at 3-3.

The Serbian, who had beaten the Italians in three punishing games to lead 4-3, raised a fist and stared icily at his man in the box.

Djokovic had to save three more break points in the next service game, but sent the Serbian fans into a frenzy when he survived all of them with an ace.

In the 5-4 service game, Djokovic evoked the courage and championship spirit of his 20-year peak, creating two match points with a forehand winner.

Sinner saved both men, but eventually conceded with a deflected backhand, and Djokovic dropped his racquet, knelt and crossed his chest to thank the tennis gods.