Novak Djokovic has playfully suggested he ought to receive "10 per cent" of ticket sales after delivering a stunning performance in the Australian Open semi-final.
The 38-year-old Serbian battled past defending champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set encounter that stretched beyond four hours, eventually triumphing 3-2.
It was an absolute marathon of a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats well into the early hours of the morning in Melbourne.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, with Djokovic clearly in high spirits despite the gruelling contest.
Novak Djokovic is just one victory away from an 11th Australian Open title | GETTYThe contest swung dramatically between both players throughout the evening.
Sinner, the Italian world number two, grabbed the opening set 6-3, but Djokovic responded immediately with an identical scoreline in the second.
The momentum kept shifting as Sinner edged ahead again, taking the third set 6-4, only for the Serbian veteran to level things up by winning the fourth by the same margin.
Everything came down to a deciding fifth set, where Djokovic produced some of his finest tennis to clinch it 6-4.
Novak Djokovic jokingly revealed he deserves "10 per cent" of ticket sales after his epic win over Jannik Sinner
|AUSTALIAN OPEN
It was a proper battle that showcased both players at their competitive best.
Speaking courtside after his triumph, Djokovic reflected on the incredible quality of play required to overcome his opponent.
"It feels surreal. Playing almost four hours, coming close to 2am. I'm reminiscing about playing Rafa [Nadal] in 2012," he said.
"The quality of tennis was extremely high and I knew this was the only way to win against him [Sinner].
"He won the past five matches against me and I told him at the net thanks for allowing me this."
Looking ahead to Sunday's showdown with Alcaraz, Djokovic admitted: "I hope I'll have enough gas to stay toe-to-toe with him."
Novak Djokovic is desperate to win a 25th Grand Slam title
|REUTERS
Djokovic saved some of his warmest words for the Melbourne faithful who stayed until the early hours to cheer him on.
"Some legends stayed up until 2am, thank you for being here tonight and for the support. You have been incredible. I love our passionate relationship," he told the crowd.
The Serbian star went on to describe the atmosphere as potentially the finest he's ever experienced Down Under.
Carlos Alcaraz will face Novak Djokovic in Sunday's Australian Open final
| GETTY"Tonight has been one of, if not the best nights atmosphere wise, support wise I have ever had in Australia. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he added.