Novak Djokovic’s loss to Jannik Sinner draws record viewership
In addition to being the Serbian player’s sole last-four exit in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic’s semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at the 2024 Australian Open on Friday, January 26, established a record by drawing the largest TV audience for a men’s semifinal match since 2014.
Ten-time Melbourne champion Djokovic lost to the fourth-seeded Italian in a stunning 1-6, 2-6, 7-6(6), 3-6 upset. When it came to this year’s most-watched last-four match, 79% more spectators tuned into ESPN’s stream and broadcast because the stakes were so high.
Sinner started the match strongly and reports suggest that the viewership grew steadily over the broadcast.
Additionally, 29% more people watched the highly anticipated match than the most viewed Australian Open semi-final in 2022. The semifinal round on the US sports cable network saw the most views since 2021, in part because of the rematch between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne in 2023.
Despite Sabalenka’s easy victory over Gauff (7-6(2), 6-2), 15% more spectators watched the match this year than the previous because of its intriguing backstory.
Additionally, 22% more people watched the last four stages of the women’s singles competition than in 2022. Considering that ESPN’s viewership from Melbourne last year was poor, these statistics are encouraging for the Grand Slam Down Under.
As an example, the 2023 Australian Open final between the Serb and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece drew 36% less views than Rafael Nadal’s 2022 victory. The first Major title match Sabalenka won over Elena Rybakina was likewise not very popular, drawing 21% less views than in 2021.
Djokovic’s attempt to win a record-breaking 25th Major championship was unsuccessful on Friday, 26 January 26. However, with the Serbian was clearly off of form, questions have been raised about whether he will compete in any ATP tournaments before to this year’s Sunshine Double.
The 36-year-old, a five-time champion at the Dubai Tennis Championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2020), may make his next appearance there. He participated in the ATP 500 event last year as well, but he was defeated in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev, the eventual victor.
The Miami Open and Indian Wells Masters may also see action from the 24-time Major winner. In Indian Wells and Miami, the Serb has won five and six titles, respectively.
It remains to be seen how well the respective finals at the Australian Open do in terms of viewers, while we also await television numbers from broadcasters in Europe, with spikes expected in certain regions for the championship matches.
