30
Mr Tennis Novak Djokovic Does It Again At AO
29 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
We were privileged to witness another new dimension of the greatest champion in the history of sport Novak Mr Tennis Djokovic. He overcame the man who defeated him the last five times they played Jannik Sinner with one of his, if not his finest and most important effort, 36 63 46 64 64.
At the end of the third set, it appeared Djokovic’s spirit and drive had been deflated by Sinner’s turbo lockdown gear which whenever he seemed to urgently need, he activated to immediate success. Sinner just served and cracked his baseline shots and it was Djokovic who would wilt from the pressure. But there was one long rally in the fourth set which Djokovic dictated from the middle of the court and after he won it, he unleashed a very positive powerful emotion expression, for the first time in the match, which communicated, “Okay now I’m getting the grasp of this challenge and I know what is needed and I can do it, I can beat this robot.” I can’t remember the exact scoreline moment but it was mid-fourth set around 3-3 30-15. He proved something to Sinner at that moment and something transferred mentally between the two combatants and then the match entered a new chapter.
Djokovic hung on to take the fourth set and then he saved a load of break points in the fifth, in consecutive service games from 15-40 and love-40 deficits. Djokovic was actually summoning another surge of his all time tennis greatness out of his bones, his blood, his soul, his mind, his heart, his feet, his hands, his arm…
Then it was Sinner who began to wilt, not only from the shotmaking magic of Novak but also the entire stadium crowd which was fully behind Novak, a crowd which included the 64 time Grand Slam champion Margaret Court.
Sinner, the villain with his team dressed in all black, saved a miraculous match point with a successful block back but Novak got back to business and finished it two points later with damaging serves and pinpoint strikes.
The magnitude of the moment was surreal. One thing nobody quite realizes or appreciates is that Novak Djokovic saved tennis and he continues to save tennis with the magic he can still perform on the court in pressure cooker second week Grand Slam matches.
Aside from the magical tennis by Djokovic saving 16 of 18 break points, the TV cam showed his coach the Spanish guy fighting back tears when it was over. It showed how much he truly cares. You rarely see that in pro tennis, a box member who really truly cares that much.
After it was over and the handshakes, there was a sense of some disbelief from Djokovic’s aura about how and why he won this, as he sat in his chair, leaning back and looking at the sky and crossing himself. This was a lot more than a tennis match. It was also noticeable from his team who were also partly shocked he actually won this match. No doubt there are great spiritual forces involved. Christ is King.
For Djokovic a date on Sauturday with Carlos Alcaraz will be his 38th Grand Slam final.
Other views of this latest Djokovic tennis masterpiece…
Paul McNamee: What we witnessed tonight from Novak Djokovic is so hard to put into words … on this stage, against such an opponent, he drew on every single cell in his body… which the crowd recognized and responded, and they rose with him … this was memorable, as this was greatness.
Greg Rusedski: Wow! 38 years young. Novak Djokovic shows why he keeps going. He has never lost an Australian Open final and it is Carlos ‘s first Australian Open final trying to be one of the youngest players to win all four majors. The Goat going for major number 25!
PavvyG: In context of everything we’ve seen in this last two years in Tennis, this has been the most important victory in Tennis EVER. I couldn’t express how proud I am of Novak Djokovic and my gratitude to him. He’s worked incredibly hard for this and sacrificed so much. A true HERO.
AO26 · Jannik Sinner · Margaret Court · Novak Djokovic
Steve · January 30, 2026 at 12:06 pm
Djokovic had two really tough holds of serve. One at 4-3 in the fourth set and at 4-3 in the fifth, facing break points in both. He’s done this so many times over the years.
This one is third on my list of my favorite Djokovic matches.
How can you cast someone as a villain that looks like the red headed kid from Sigmund and the Sea Monster/Family Affair? I see them as friends and tennis collegues.
Congrats to the Novak fans!
Sam · January 30, 2026 at 6:29 pm
Wow, I can’t believe it. 😮 I didn’t even bother checking the score last night, because I figured it was just going to be another blowout by Sinner. In fact, until I saw your headline, I didn’t even know Djokovic had won.
So he’s in another Grand Slam final at 38 1/2. Amazing!! 😎
Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2026 at 8:52 pm
Sam, I feel it’s destiny now for him to win. For him to survive his kryptonite the manner in which he did, playing lights out clutch tennis, I believe he will play totally freely vs Carlos and beat him. I’m hearing whispers Carlos has an injury. Can’t quite put a finger on it about why else but I’m feeling Djokovic will get 25 tomorrow.
Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2026 at 8:56 pm
Holy smokes, totally forgot about the Saturday morning show Sigmund and the sea monster, it’s never been mentioned anywhere until you Steve. And you are right, he is the lookalike. Djokovic stole that match from Sinner with his tennis wizardry, Roger can relate with Sinner right now. This is way up at the top of Djokovic masterpieces, I like Fed 2019 Wimbledon, Rafa at French Open, Carlos in Cincy final and believe it or now the exo with Delpo in Argentina last year. The point many are missing is Djokovic is nowhere near finished.
Cyndy · January 30, 2026 at 9:06 pm
Scoop Malinowski—- what a nicely written piece by you of Djokovic winning his semi finals match against Sinner. What a match that was and a pleasure to watch as well. And yes I think we all shared the unbelievable feelings but happiness too. I see that you have a few quotes at the end one of them being from PavvyG whom I often read his comments as well. There is the finals day so will hope for a nice big win for sure with his pinpoint strikes and well placed shots against Alcaraz. Had a laugh when you mentioned the words ‘villain’ and ‘all dressed in black’ (his team). And yes it was so emotional when watching ‘Charly’ his hitting partner.
Cory · January 30, 2026 at 9:12 pm
I didn’t bet, but Djokovic was +800 (8 to 1 payout) which was just ridiculous. You don’t give those kind of odds to the GOAT.
Novak served better than i’ve seen him in a long time. His first serves had so much command. He would prefer not to get into lengthy baseline debates with JS.
Hooray. He may not have enough gas in the tank for Carlos, but if he can get close, the crowd will level this thing out. Go Novak!!!
Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2026 at 9:27 pm
Cyndy, it was one of the all time Novak masterpieces, to solve that puzzle finally in such a big match is as great as it gets. Also feel some sadness for Sinner, he is a fine player but nobody in that crowd wanted him to win, except for a small handful. Sinner has been rejected by the public, despite all the efforts to make him a beloved champion. I think this dynamic will be his undoing. He’s part human and this clear rejection will break him. Because I see no way he can change how the public’s perception of him as a two time drug cheat robot with zero charisma. Carlos on the other hand is as likable as Novak but we need a few more years to full embrace him.
Scoop Malinowski · January 30, 2026 at 9:31 pm
Cory yes that +800 was stunning but who knows how many had the guts to make that bet. I believe it’s very possible this win will allow Novak to play freely and really let loose vs Carlos in the final. I remember earlier this year his former coach Dusan Vemic said Novak will win three Grand Slams this year. Suddenly it all makes sense.
Steve · January 31, 2026 at 5:08 am
*cast as villain, I meant 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2026 at 7:43 am
Sinner has not been cast as a villain, he has become one due to a few reasons. The fact he failed two drug tests and got a three month vacation while other players were banned 2-4 years for a single failed test. That kind of special privilege and special treatment cast him as a spoiled, protected and still suspected cheater. Tennis fans don’t like unfairness or an unlevel playing field that favors Sinner. Sinner also is a boring scripted introvert. And his team all look more like sneaky, untrustworthy, conniving villains than friendly open engaging people. It’s a sad situation that such a great talent like Sinner has found himself stuck in such a precarious situation. He’s been badly managed. But all that money can’t buy happiness or respect.
Matt Segel · January 31, 2026 at 5:49 pm
Well I appreciate some empathy for my guy, J. Sinner, he does seem like a nice person!
How about Zverev? Finish line in sight and gets broken. Is it a fear of winning? That is a real thing. Maybe just can’t play freely or bravely in big moments.
Such a fascinating case study.
Matt Segel · January 31, 2026 at 7:20 pm
And another thing… everyone can have different personalities. I get that people like exciting off the cuff extroverts, but you know what some people find them obnoxious. I love novak, but the calling on the crowd to cheer…I hate that. It looks like a desperate cry for attention, but to some people it’s awesome, he’s firing up the crowd. Let’s appreciate different personalities…
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2026 at 7:53 pm
Matt, it’s the same old question about Zverev, how much does he really want it? Everything is there to do it. He just hasn’t done it. He’s Todd Martin and Tim Henman and Alex Corretja all over again. I don’t see it ever happening for him but would love to be proven wrong.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2026 at 7:56 pm
Matt, not a cry for attention, he already has the world’s attention. It’s a request to the fans to give him a little more energy, he’s telling them I need it, if you really want me to win this for you, I’m game to do it, just help me out a little more. I love when he does it or any player does it. With Sinner I feel no idea who he really is. The scripted Sinner is a cover for the real Sinner. Wish he would let himself out and so we can see and meet the real Sinner finally.
Cyndy · February 1, 2026 at 9:13 am
Scoop Malinowski— watching the finals match Djokovic/Alcaraz, I thought after the second and third sets that Djokovic’s mind was not there as compared to the Sinner match… his shots were going all haywire and hits and misses and then in the fourth I thought at least reach a tie breaker but that too didn’t happen.. somehow the USOpen comes to mind when Djokovic played against Medvedev and the latter won it after which he hasn’t won any slams if you know. And Medvedev had in essence denied Djokovic a fourth GS ( as Djokovic won the previous 3 that year). So fast forward to 2026 where Djokovic is chasing his 25th GS only to to be denied by Alcaraz. And yes maybe Djokovic will reach the finals of a GS but Sinner/Alcaraz duo will always be there. It’s still remarkable that he reached the finals of a GS.
Harry · February 1, 2026 at 11:09 am
If Federer or Nadal got a walkover in the 4th round, and was given the reward of his opponent retiring with Djoker down 2 sets to love, Scoop would’ve written a 10 thousand word conspiracy theory blaming Rolex, Nike, Uni Qlo, the powers that be pulling strings..
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2026 at 7:31 pm
Harry there certainly is a lot of curiosity about how the draw withdrawals helped Djokovic but if anyone deserved some favors from AO it’s Novak. I don’t believe Djokovic would have beaten Sinner if he had to play both Mensik and Musetti to the full finish. Yes he got help. But I’m fairly certain AO revenues will be a lot more substantial with Novak in the semis and finals instead of Sinner, who is not a major attraction. It’s a sport and it’s business. Serena got a lot of help at US Open in her home stretch years. Maybe other stars did too. Business.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2026 at 7:35 pm
It was indeed a Herulean effort by Novak yet again Cyndy and an improvement from a year ago. That said, I don’t believe Novak would have beaten Sinner if he had to play both Mensik and Musetti all the way to five sets after losing the first two. But I could be wrong and that extra play could have sharpened him even more as opposed to draining his tank. The most important thing is the tournament was a huge success, we saw the matchups we wanted and they all delivered. It’s clear now Carlos is the heir apparent of Novak. And Novak full accepts and embraces his successor, something Fedal did not do for Novak.
Cyndy · February 1, 2026 at 8:52 pm
Scoop Malinowski — yes you’re right and I fully agree with you on the end outcomes considering if he had to play five sets each with Musetti and Mensik. Going into GS it looks like Alcaraz/Sinner will be the ones as Djokovic too said it and there should be a third as well, yet to be seen. Until the next one going forward! This has been a treat anyway as Djokovic reached the finals and that’s good too.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2026 at 9:31 pm
Cyndy, I think it’s possible Sinner has peaked.
Sam · February 6, 2026 at 6:31 am
I heard that Djokovic’s reaction after making the final was: “Oops—I did it AGAIN!!!” 😂
Sam, I feel it’s destiny now for him to win.
I thought so too, Scoop, but I guess the moral of the story is to always keep one’s expectations kinda low. 😏
I believe he will play totally freely vs Carlos and beat him.
Did he just run out of gas after that impressive first set or what?
I guess when you’re almost 39, your body is much less resilient (duh) than when you were younger.
I’m hearing whispers Carlos has an injury.
Was that just some kind of hoax?
Can’t quite put a finger on it about why else but I’m feeling Djokovic will get 25 tomorrow.
If he’d faced Zverev, he probably would have!! 🤭 I was disappointed Djokovic didn’t win too, but I guess my expectations weren’t that realistic. It’s still amazing he made the final, especially since he could’ve easily been sent home by Musetti.
Sam · February 6, 2026 at 6:43 am
Holy smokes, totally forgot about the Saturday morning show Sigmund and the sea monster
Never even heard of the show, much less seen it. 😏
The point many are missing is Djokovic is nowhere near finished.
Definitely agree with that. I would love to see him pull one more big surprise, but if the Sinner defeat was the very last one, I’m still grateful that it happened. 🙏
Sam · February 6, 2026 at 6:56 am
his former coach Dusan Vemic said Novak will win three Grand Slams this year.
Hmmm, I wonder what he’s on? 😙
I think it’s possible Sinner has peaked.
The one thing I like about Sinner is the fact that he’s keeping Alcaraz from running away with the tour. Beyond that, though, no respect for such a blatant cheater. 🤮 He may have peaked—who knows?
Of course, I’m not stupid. Many believe that all the top players are on PEDs, including Carlos, and that definitely wouldn’t surprise me. But Sinner’s case is just so flagrant. 👿
Scoop Malinowski · February 6, 2026 at 8:36 am
Carlos and his 16 years advantage is too much for Novak now. Not sure if Novak truly believes he can beat Carlos in a major anymore. Part of the problem is he likes and respects him so much, he knows Carlos is a worthy successor to his throne. The Djokovic killer instinct has lost some edge. I think Djokovic would do better if Carlos was a jerk or more disrespectful. Like Rafa killed Federer with kindness, Carlos is doing the same thing with Novak )
Scoop Malinowski · February 6, 2026 at 8:37 am
There will be a few more for sure…
Scoop Malinowski · February 6, 2026 at 8:39 am
Sinner’s next two Grand Slams will be interesting. Carlos is substantially taller than his dad. Probably just a coincidence )
Sam · February 17, 2026 at 2:25 am
Carlos and his 16 years advantage is too much for Novak now. Not sure if Novak truly believes he can beat Carlos in a major anymore.
I guess Djokovic just needs to pray for him to get injured then. 😉
Carlos is substantially taller than his dad. Probably just a coincidence )
Oh, can PEDs increase height? 🤔
Scoop Malinowski · February 17, 2026 at 8:28 am
Growth hormones can. Sharapova is like a foot taller than her dad. Lots of examples like this.
Sam · February 27, 2026 at 2:07 am
You mean her dad is that short, about 5 feet 3 inches? 🤔
If so, something seems kinda off there.