Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner – the match we were all expecting in the Australian Open 2024 semi-finals and a contest worthy of the final.

The world no.1 has moved into the last four ominously as he guns for an incredible 11th title at Melbourne Park, but he meets an up-and-coming star who has given him trouble in recent matches.

It hasn’t been Djokovic’s cleanest path to the last four of the Australian Open, dropping sets in three of his matches, but it’s going to take a mighty performance to dethrone the tournament’s 10-time winning king.

This is only Sinner’s second major semi-final, after Wimbledon 2023, but he appears destined to win Grand Slams throughout his career.

Will it be the same old story for Djokovic in Melbourne or can the Italian talent announce himself on tennis’ biggest stage?

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Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner odds, prediction, match details

Match: [1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [4] Jannik Sinner (ITA)
Date: Friday, January 26
Round: Semi-Final
Court: Rod Laver Arena
Start Time: Not before 2:30pm (AEDT)

All odds courtesy of TAB

Novak Djokovic win: 1.42
Jannik Sinner win: 2.75

Handicap lean: Novak Djokovic -3.5 (1.85)
Score prediction: 6-4 6-7 7-5 6-3

There is no doubt this match is worthy of being the tournament’s final but only one can advance to the Australian Open decider.

Sinner has had Djokovic’s number recently, beating him twice in November in Davis Cup and the ATP Finals, meaning the Italian can go into the match feeling confident.

But Djokovic is a different beast at the Australian Open, with his last defeat at the tournament coming at 2018 against South Korea’s Hyung Cheon in the fourth round, having won the title at Melbourne Park every year since except when he was deported in 2022.

The concern around Sinner is that he was grabbing at his stomach muscles regularly during his quarter-final against Andrey Rublev. While he still managed to get through the match rather comfortably, any issue with his body is going to a significant handicap against a machine like Djokovic.

However, Sinner is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open so far, including wins against three seeds Rublev (no.5), Karen Khachanov (no.15) and Sebastian Baez (no.26).

Djokovic has spent nearly four hours longer on court in his path to the semi-finals, having dropped sets against Dino Prizmic, Alexei Popyrin and Taylor Fritz.

Despite form pointing to a close match that Sinner could win, how could anyone deny Djokovic’s ability to get the job done in Australia no matter what?

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner best bet

Pick: Djokovic set betting 3-1
Odds: 3.50 (TAB)

Sinner is expected to provide a significant challenge for Djokovic, and the fact the world no.1 has dropped a set in three of his five matches means he is a good chance to lose another during the semi-final.

With the Italian coming into the match under a slight injury cloud, it gives Djokovic a significant advantage in reaching his 11th final at Melbourne Park, particularly if the match drags on.

Djokovic winning in four sets or five sets (4.50) looks to be value with how the match could play out as the Serbian should get the job done with Sinner having solid periods throughout the contest.

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner head-to-head record

While Djokovic has a career 4-2 winning record over Sinner, the Italian has won two of their last three recent matches across November 2023.

However, after being beaten by Sinner in the ATP Finals round-robin stage in November, Djokovic recovered to beat the talented youngster in the final of the same tournament.

Djokovic vs. Sinner head-to-head matches

Date	Tournament	Surface	Winner
Nov. 25, 2023	Davis Cup – ITA vs. SRB	Indoor Hardcourt	Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5
Nov. 19, 2023	ATP Finals – Final – Milan	Indoor Hardcourt	Djokovic 6-3 6-3
Nov. 14, 2023	ATP Finals – RR – Milan	Indoor Hardcourt	Sinner 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2)
Jul. 14, 2023	Wimbledon	Grass	Djokovic 6-3 6-4 7-6(4)
Jul. 5, 2022	Wimbledon	Grass	Djokovic 5-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-2
Apr 14, 2021	Monte Carlo Masters	Clay	Djokovic 6-4 6-2

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner live stream, TV channel

The Nine Network will broadcast Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s semi-final live and free on Channel Nine.

The match can also be streamed via Stan Sport and 9Now.