Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the men's semifinal against Jannik Sinner of Italy at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia on January 30, 2026. Photo: VCG

After 38-year-old Novak Djokovic outlasted defending champion Jannik Sinner in a grueling five-set semifinal at the Australian Open that lasted into the early hours of Saturday local time, many Chinese tennis fans were celebrating not only his win but also the unyielding persistence he embodied.

Chinese fans marveled at how Djokovic, now at an age when most professional tennis players have long retired, could summon such resilience against a peak-form 24-year-old rival and world No.2 Jannik Sinner in four hours and nine minutes.

Comments and posts, especially on social media, highlighted how the persistence of the Serb, whose competition shoes bear the number "24," referencing his 24 Grand Slam titles, felt like a mirror for everyday life: long-term dedication pays off even when odds seem stacked against you.

Djokovic's latest feat appeared to stir a universal sentiment among fans in China that age and time are not barriers to excellence when met with consistent effort and belief.

Ge Xiaoqian, a tennis columnist, told the Global Times that Djokovic is proving wrong the notion held by some that he is no longer a competitive player in professional tennis.

"It will be fundamentally wrong to treat a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) as an underdog," Ge wrote. "Don't underestimate such a veteran's tenacity!"

Chen Chi, a Beijing-based tennis commentator, told the Global Times that the match offered Chinese fans a relatable symbol of sustained excellence.

"Djokovic's performance felt like watching LeBron James still dominating on the basketball court and Luka Modric still orchestrating play on the football pitch, proofs that longevity and effort can stretch far beyond conventional expectations," Chen said.

Even among netizens with no deep tennis knowledge, the story took on emotional weight.

Many posted about how seeing an athlete near 40 compete at the highest level was uplifting, a symbol that commitment and consistency can continue to bear fruit long after youth has passed.

"I don't know much about tennis, but the fact that his name keeps appearing in headlines says something. Many people say that when you are past 35 you begin to decline, however this player, at 38 and still compete at first-tier level, is impressive especially for those who are in their midlife," a Weibo user said. "It's powerful reminder that unwavering persistence and long-term dedication can triumph over time and doubt, offering fresh inspiration to those in midlife facing their own games to fight."

Djokovic will go on to play against current world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain on Sunday in the men's singles final, his 11th final at the Australian Open.

"Not matter whether he wins the final, simply stepping onto the court in such a competitive sport is already a victory for the 38-year-old," Chen said. "If at this age he can beat No.1 and No.2 consecutively to win the title, that would be a real miracle."