World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, is out of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The 36-year-old, who was aiming for a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne, was beaten in the semi-final in four sets by up-and-coming Italian youngster, Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old, who will appear in a Grand Slam final for the first time on Sunday, ended Djokovic’s run at the Australian Open with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 victory in three hours and 22 minutes.
Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen ended the remarkable run of Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska with a 6-4 6-4 semi-final win on Thursday to set up an Australian Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka slated for Saturday.
While the opening semi-final pitted world number two Aryna Sabalenka against world number four Coco Gauff, the second semi-final pitted Zheng, the only seed left in the top half of the draw, against 93rd-ranked qualifier Yastremska.
The match was just as tight with Yastremska, the first women’s qualifier to reach the last four at Melbourne Park since 1978, belying her lowly ranking with some brilliant shot-making, particularly off her rocket of a backhand.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
