Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open title bid ends against Novak Djokovic
Jannik Sinner’s hopes of claiming a third Australian Open crown in a row came to an abrupt end when Novak Djokovic defeated him in the semi-finals this year, reports BritPanorama.
The Italian had not suffered a loss in Melbourne for over three years prior to facing the Serbian veteran. Sinner initially took a 2-1 lead in the match, but the 38-year-old Djokovic mounted a significant comeback, eventually winning 3-2 to secure his place in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.
While the world number one received ample support from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena, his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, was noticeably absent from his player’s box. Other partners, such as Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, and Alexander Zverev’s new flame, Caroline Daur, cheered courtside, but Hasanovic opted to miss the tournament due to professional commitments.
Hasanovic, a Danish model, showcased her career during Fashion Weeks in Copenhagen and Paris, as reflected in her Instagram posts. She was unable to attend Sinner’s matches, including his quarter-final against Ben Shelton and the gripping semi-final against Djokovic, due to her runway commitments.
Typically a fixture in Sinner’s player box during major tournaments, she was present for his French Open final appearance and Wimbledon victory earlier in 2025. The couple officially confirmed their relationship at the Vienna Open in October 2025 after Sinner’s triumph over Zverev in the final. During his victory speech, he thanked his family, friends, and notably, his girlfriend for their support.
The presence of key figures such as Hasanovic often adds an interesting layer to players’ experiences at major tournaments, but professional priorities can sometimes take precedence. The dynamics of sports and personal lives continue to intersect in complex ways, reminding fans that the journey of athletes involves more than just competition.
