Novak Djokovic jokingly thanked Jannik Sinner for finally allowing him to win a grand slam semi-final after defeating the Italian to reach the Australian Open final.

The 38-year-old rolled back the years to reach an 11th showpiece match in Melbourne, coming from behind in a marathon semi-final to win 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 in four hours and 12 minutes.

Sinner had looked in control after winning the first and third sets, but Djokovic clawed his way back, saving 10 consecutive break points across the final two sets to win.

As such, he has set up a meeting with Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Alexander Zverev in a five-hour-and-27-minute epic in the other semi-final, on Sunday.

It will be the Serbian's first grand slam final appearance since Wimbledon 2024, when he lost to Alcaraz, with history on the line as he aims to end his wait for a record-breaking 25th major crown.

Djokovic had previously faced Sinner in four grand slam semi-finals, losing each of the last three (W1), but he was left speechless following the conclusion of their latest clash.

"I'm lost for words, to be honest," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"It feels surreal, playing over four hours, it's almost 2am. I am reminiscing about 2012 when I played Rafa [Nadal] in the final. 

"That was almost six hours, but the intensity and quality of tennis was extremely high, and that was the only chance I had against him.

1 - Novak Djokovic is the oldest Men’s Singles finalist at the Australian Open in the Open Era, surpassing the previous record held by Ken Rosewall in 1972. Phenomenon.#AusOpen | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/Ynfd4PHCHy

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"He [Sinner] had won the last five matches against me. He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number for tonight!

"Jokes aside, I told him at the net, 'thanks for allowing me at least one'. I have tremendous respect for him; he is an incredible player and pushes you to the limit. He deserves a round of applause for his performance."

Djokovic will make his 38th appearance in a major final and has become the oldest men's singles finalist at the Australian Open (38 years 241 days), surpassing the previous record set by Ken Rosewall (37y 54d) in 1972.

No other player can better his tally of wins over top-10 opponents at a single major since the ATP rankings were published in 1973, with Djokovic equalling Rafael Nadal (at Roland-Garros) on 20.

And he is relishing the chance to go up against Alcaraz, who is aiming to become the youngest career Grand Slam winner, once again with history on the line.

"I said it would be difficult, but not impossible [to beat Sinner in five sets]. I said they [Sinner and Alcaraz] were playing at a different level, I just have to find that level," Djokovic added.

"I watched [Alcaraz against Zverev], what an incredible match. We tried to match that intensity.

"I think you guys got your value for money on the tickets; that's for sure! I want 10% from tonight's tickets sold!

"I saw Carlos after his match. He said sorry for delaying the start of our match. I told him I am an old man, and I need to go to sleep early!

"I am looking forward to seeing him in a few days. I know I have to come back in a few days and fight the number one. I just hope I have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him. Let God decide the winner."