The unthinkable and unachievable task has become a reality now. Novak Djokovic finally gets defeated in the Australian Open after almost 2196 days. Jannik Sinner created a huge upset in this year’s ‘Happy Slam’ after knocking out the defending champion in their semifinal clash at the Rod Laver Arena.

The Italia dominated the Serbian by 6-1,6-2,6-7(6),6-3 to secure his spot for his first Grand Slam final appearance. How did the tennis world react after this emphatic performance of the 22YO Italian? Rod Laver himself gave a seal of approval for his terrific performance.

Rod Laver hails Novak Djokovic as the King of Melbourne Park but sides with Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner became the first Italian player to reach the Australian Open singles final. He is also the first Italian male player to defeat a world number 1 at the Grand Slam. As if that’s not enough, Sinner also broke Novak Djokovics’s 16-year-old record of becoming the youngest men’s singles finalist. With so many achievements with a single result, Sinner deserved words of distinction.

The 85-year-old Australian tennis legend, Rod Laver, stepped in to heap praise on this young Italian. He tweeted, “Congratulations to Jannik Sinner on reaching his first Grand Slam singles final. That was some feat against the King of Melbourne Park!“

Novak Djokovic has won 10 titles at Melbourne Park. His dominance at this venue is unparalleled and to defeat Novak Djokovic for the first time in an AO semifinal and end his 33-match winning run, is truly a remarkable feat. Both of them have now faced each other 7 times. Although Novak Djokovic still leads the H2H with 4 wins, Sinner is currently breathing down his neck. What did the Serb say about the 22YO Italian’s outstanding performance?

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Djokovic gives credit where it’s due

Although the world no.1 was initially getting trolled for his strange post-match reaction after the loss, he didn’t hold himself for too long before praising Sinner’s outstanding display of elegance. Djokovic said, “I want to congratulate Sinner for playing a great match, great tournament so far. He’s deservedly in the finals. He outplayed me completely today.” 

Jannik Sinner however believes it was his performance at the later stages of last year which provided him this confidence to beat the best of the game. He said, “The confidence from the end of last year has for sure kept the belief that I can play against the best players in the world. I’m really happy that I can play Sunday my first final. Let’s see how it goes. But I’m really happy, I’ll come here with a smile and I’ll try my best.”

With the defending champion already knocked out of 2024 AO, do you dare to pick this mighty challenger ahead of the ultimate battle on Sunday?

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