Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has previously given supporters clear insight into his retirement intentions following an earlier Grand Slam encounter with Jannik Sinner. And the Serbian has hinted he's far from finished just yet.

'Nole' overcame Sinner on Friday to secure an Australian Open final clash against Carlos Alcaraz. The opening major of the year could witness Alcaraz achieving the calendar Grand Slam, or Djokovic could strengthen his position as Melbourne's most successful champion of all time.

It represents the latest sign that Djokovic hasn't been written off quite yet. Following a previous defeat to Sinner at Wimbledon 2024, the tennis legend delivered a resolute statement about his retirement intentions.

"I would be sad [if it was my last], but hopefully it's not my last match on Centre Court," he said after last year's Wimbledon semi-final defeat to the Italian. "I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. I'm planning to come back, definitely, at least one more time."

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Djokovic suffered a comprehensive defeat to Sinner in that clash, losing 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 in a lopsided affair. Nevertheless, he rediscovered his form Down Under this weekend as he fought back from behind to triumph across five sets.

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The showdown had all the hallmarks of a classic encounter between two modern greats. However, Sinner's streak of back-to-back titles in Australian finally came to an end under dramatic circumstances.

Djokovic has been plagued by questions about his long-term future at the elite level for several years now. At 38, many are anticipating the legend to follow former 'Big Three' rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer into retirement in the very near future.

However, Djokovic's first Grand Slam final in more than a year indicates he's not prepared to abandon competing at the pinnacle of tennis just yet. The veteran's last appearance in a major decider came at Wimbledon 2024, where he fell to Sinner in straight sets.

Friday's encounter couldn't have been more contrasting. Djokovic never appeared entirely out of contention and he seized control to emerge victorious at a venue that's become synonymous with his success.

Nevertheless, he faces a monumental challenge in attempting to prevent Alcaraz from claiming the crown on Sunday. The Spaniard has progressed to the Australian Open final for the first time in his career and hopes to complete the collection of Grand Slam titles with victory on Sunday.

That's in contrast to Djokovic, who is pursuing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title this weekend. No player has claimed more major trophies Down Under, and he'll look to put that experience to good use at least once more in the hopes of adding a 25th Grand Slam trophy to his collection.

Victory at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday would deliver another signal that Djokovic isn't ready to retire his racket just yet. Nevertheless, a triumph for Alcaraz might be seen as a passing of the torch, indicating the final remaining figure from tennis' golden era is prepared to fade into the distance.