Australian Open live updates day 13: Jannik Sinner’s historic 32-year Aussie Open first

Jannik Sinner produced some breathtaking tennis in Friday’s semi-final and left the sports world all saying the same thing.

Jannik Sinner has capped off a day at the Australian Open that will likely live long in the memory banks.

While the Italian world No. 1 was impressive in his 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2 thrashing of Ben Shelton, by far the biggest story of the day — and the tournament — was Novak Djokovic’s sudden withdrawal one set into his semi-final with Alexander Zverev.

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The iron man of the tennis world came out bandaged for his match, but seemed to be moving OK as he put a volley into the net to lose the first set in a tie-break.

But that was the best he could muster, with the Serbian great immediately taking off his hat, giving Zverev a hug and shaking the umpire’s hand to leave the packed house stunned.

It was a sad departure for Novak Djokovic. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The 37-year-old conceded this could well be his last Australian Open appearance, a tournament he has won a record 10 times.

There were also some unsavoury scenes at Rod Laver Arena, with Djokovic hit with a chorus of boos around the stadium as he walked away.

Sinner is now a hot favourite to take out a second successive Australian Open title when he faces Zverev, still chasing his maiden grand slam, on Sunday.

Saturday night brings a highly anticipated women’s final, when Aryna Sabalenka will attempt to add her name to the history books with a third straight title against Madison Keys.

The American was involved in a dramatic semi-final on Thursday, when she finally got the better of second seed Iga Swiatek in a third set super tie-break.

Catch up on a massive day of tennis news with our live updates below.

Originally published as Australian Open live updates day 13: Jannik Sinner’s historic 32-year Aussie Open first