Jannik Sinner once again stands in the way of Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of immortality but the defending Wimbledon champion is pleased his “incredible” rival is still around to chase a 25th grand slam.
Djokovic rolled back the years in a five-set thriller with Felix Auger-Aliassime on Tuesday night to progress into a 15th semi-final at the All England Club, but there is only one number he cares about.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic has been stuck on 24 grand slam titles alongside Margaret Court since 2023 and, despite turning 39 last month, he is within touching distance of his holy grail ahead of Friday’s last-four tie.
Ahead of a 12th meeting with seventh seed Djokovic and a third battle at Wimbledon, Sinner told Italian media: “I know I’m capable of beating him if I play well, but I’m also well aware that I can lose, so, there is pressure, yes but I take it all in stride.
“I’m happy to be on court, I give it my best. What stands out to me is how he trains, the dedication he shows to himself, his body, and everything else.
“The motivation he still has is incredible. I think we can be very happy that he’s still here, giving 100 per cent and trying to win his 25th Slam. It’s great to have him around.”
Sinner had won five in a row before he was stunned by Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.
Another five-set defeat for Sinner occurred in Paris at Roland Garros where he exited in shock fashion to Juan Manuel Cerundolo amid extremely hot conditions.
However, Sinner has poured cold water on suggestions he cannot handle the heat and believes the warm weather in England has helped him already send down 97 aces – way up from the 62 he managed in victory at Wimbledon last year.
“I definitely need to raise my level a bit. I’m playing quite well, I feel like things are getting a little better every day. I’m trying to serve really well and stay focused on my service games,” Sinner said.
“We’ve certainly put in a lot of work over the last two years. We changed the motion, the ball toss, the timing, lots of things… I’m serving pretty well. It’s a little warmer this year than last, so the ball travels a bit further, which helps but overall, I’m happy with my serve right now.”
This is the eighth time Djokovic has reached the last four of a major since he claimed US Open success in 2023, but a 25th grand slam has so far slipped through his grasp.
Whilst Djokovic holds the upper hand on Sinner this year after his triumph in Melbourne, he has already spent 16 hours and 32 minutes on the grass this summer.
“At this stage, that I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise, but at the same time, I always have the highest expectations for myself,” Djokovic said.
“(Australia) was the first big tournament of the year for me, coming fresher from several months of break and preparation. It’s a bit different now.
“Nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the grand slams. This is what counts the most, honestly.
“I still try to prove to myself and others that I’m able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them in the biggest stage. That’s what I’ve done in Australia. It’s what I’ve done here.
“Hopefully I can do it few more matches here in London.”
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