Australian Open defending champion Jannik Sinner has no plans of underestimating the great Novak Djokovic ahead of the pair's blockbuster Melbourne Park semi-final.
World No.2 and dual Melbourne Park champion Sinner beat Ben Shelton in straight sets to reach the final four for a third consecutive year, teeing up a second semi-final in three years against Djokovic.
Ten-time champion Djokovic has ridden his luck, receiving a fourth-round walkover against Jakub Mensik before Lorenzo Musetti retired injured when two sets up against the Serbian superstar in Wednesday's quarter-final.
Sinner signalled a changing of the guard when he thrashed Djokovic, who is still hunting for a record-breaking 25th slam, in the 2024 Melbourne Park semi-finals en route to his breakthrough major.
The Italian and dynamic Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz have shared the eight slams since January 2024.
"When you make the step ahead in the final of a grand slam and winning against Novak, it does change a bit," Sinner said.
"In the same time, you know, you have to do it over and over again. It's very difficult. It's one of the toughest challenges we have in our sport.
"It's great to have Novak playing this level, still very, very high level. It's (a) grand slam, it's always very difficult against Novak. Let's see what's coming."
Sinner beat Djokovic, now 38, at Wimbledon and Roland Garros last year and is aiming for a sixth straight win over the world No.4.
But the classy Italian isn't taking anything for granted.
"I mean, you know the level he's still playing. He (Djokovic) is I think the most professional athlete we have here in the locker room," Sinner said.
"I also try to be as professional as possible. Obviously he has a huge package of experience with himself. You see him on the court. He knows how to handle every situation the best possible way.
"Me, as a 24-year-old, I'm lucky to have someone like him in front of my eyes, and I can hopefully learn something.
"I feel like every day, every time he plays, I can learn something about him, about Carlos, about all the other great, great players.
"I take this as a positive, you know? I think the way he's playing, the way he's moving, if you are not professional, you don't play at this level.
"He's an inspiration for all of us and especially the young players."
The winner of the night time Sinner-Djokovic match will progress to the final against either world No.1 Alcaraz or world No.3 Alexander Zverev, who face off on Friday afternoon.
Earlier on Friday, Australian duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers will attempt to defend their mixed doubles title in their final against French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard.
