Novak Djokovic said his French Open semi-final defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner could have been his final match at Roland Garros as he sparked suggestions that he is nearing retirement.
The 38-year-old Djokovic took his time leaving the court, waving to the crowd and touching the clay, after he was denied in his bid of winning a record-breaking 25th grand slam title. “This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know,” Djokovic said. “ That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end.”
World No 1 Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight-sets to set up a blockbuster French Open final against his young rival and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
It will be the first time Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 22, have met in a grand slam final, with Alcaraz winning his last three matches against the Italian. Alcaraz earlier reached the final when his opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired injured.
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- Novak Djokovic drops major retirement suggestion after French Open defeat
- Djokovic beaten by World No 1 Jannik Sinner in semi-final
- Sinner won in straight sets 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to reach first French Open final
- Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz booked his place in the final after injury struck Lorenzo Musetti
The Carlos Alcaraz problem Jannik Sinner faces in mouthwatering French Open final
11:07
,
Jamie Braidwood
In the early days of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s electric rivalry, as the two young men established themselves as the best players in the world, a prominent theme of their matches was the spectacular, highlight-reel points that would light up social media feeds in an instant. During the Indian Wells semi-final in 2024, after Sinner and Alcaraz chased down drop shots and angled volleys to shrieks from the crowd, the young rivals turned to each other and laughed across the net, sharing not only their disbelief but also the joy of pushing themselves to new heights.
As Sinner and Alcaraz now prepare to battle for the French Open title, in their first grand slam final, it is clear that their rivalry has evolved into a generational one.
Novak Djokovic weighs in on Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry
10:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry is what tennis “needs” but said the young stars have a long way to go before they can be compared to himself, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“They need to play against each for at least 10-plus years nonstop in order to be part of the same discussion,” Djokovic laughed.
“But they're definitely great for tennis, both of them. I think their rivalry is something that our sport needs, no doubt.
“The way they are playing and the way they are approaching tennis life, I think they are going to have very successful careers.
“I'm sure that we're going to see them lifting the big trophies quite often.”
What happened in the French Open semi-finals?
09:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner halted Novak Djokovic’s bid of a 25th grand slam title in a gripping three-set win to advance to the French Open final for the first time. Sinner marched into a dominant lead but had to save three set points in the third before winning the match on a tiebreak 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3).
It was his fourth consecutive win over Djokovic, who said: “I think mentally he deserved big credit for hanging in there in the tough moments when the whole stadium was cheering. It was set points down, and he managed to find some really good shots. He showed why he's No 1 in the world.”
Jannik Sinner praises Novak Djokovic for semi-final
08:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner said it was “special” to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the French Open
"It was so amazing, I had to step up and play the best tennis I could,” the World No 1 said. “It shows again what a role model for all of us, especially for young players.
"What he is doing is incredible. I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. We are so lucky to see him play high-level tennis.
"He achieved so many things. He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing.
"It was such a special occasion for me playing against Novak in a semi-final of a Grand Slam.”
Novak Djokovic wants to play Wimbledon and US Open
07:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“At the moment I will try to stick with the plan what I had, which is play the Grand Slams. Those tournaments are the priorities of my schedule, my calendar. Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in plans.
“ That's all I can say right now. I'm going to, unless something, I don't know, happens, whatever. But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I'm not so sure.”
Novak Djokovic reveals his mindset ahead of rest of the year
06:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I said it could have been my last match. I didn't say it was. So I don't know right now. 12 months at this point in my career is quite a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months' time here again? I don't know. I don't know. So, yeah, I mean, that's all I can say for the moment.”
Novak Djokovic on how long he has been thinking about the end
05:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I don't know. I don't know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I going to keep on keeping on. Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favorite tournament.
“I'm going to do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon, you know, to win another slam or faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.
“But I must say that I was proud of my effort tonight in this tournament, considering, you know, I wasn't in great form coming into Roland Garros, but [Jannik] was just too good for me tonight.”
Novak Djokovic admits this could have been his last French Open
04:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I mean, this could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know. That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end.
“But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”
Novak Djokovic on French Open reception
03:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I don't think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world,” Djokovic said.
“So very, very honored to experience that. Not the happiest because of the loss, but I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd, because they were terrific in the moments when it seemed like it was going all of his way.
“Then they would lift me up and encourage me and give me strength to keep going and fight to the last ball, which I did.”
Congratulations to Jannik for another very good and solid performance. He showed why he's No. 1 in the world. He was just too solid tonight “
Novak Djokovic's French Open farewell?
02:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic took his time leaving the court, waving to all four sides of the Court Philppe-Chatrier crowd and touching the clay, and said he felt “gratitude” for the support he received during the loss.
Novak Djokovic dismisses injury concerns after medical timeout
01:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“I mean, it was bothering me a little bit throughout this tournament in some long matches. It's a muscular issue that needed to be looked at and was worked on.
“But I guess the deeper you go into tournaments, the more physically exhausting matches you have, the more you're going to, I guess, worsen the problem in a sense.
“But it wasn't, you know, giving me too much of a trouble. So I wouldn't say it was a hindrance to my game. I still could move almost 100%. So it was okay. I wouldn't give it too much attention, to be honest.”
Novak Djokovic sees the end as Jannik Sinner underlines reality of French Open defeat
Saturday 7 June 2025 00:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
As Novak Djokovic departed Court Philippe-Chatrier after his defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner in the French Open semi-finals, the 38-year-old stooped to lower his bags before turning to all four sides of the stadium. In a moment not dissimilar to Rafael Nadal’s final exit from Roland Garros in 2024, Djokovic paused and applauded the reception he had received. He then stopped again to brush the clay with his hand, an intimate gesture that may have revealed a clue to his future.
“This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know,” Djokovic said. “That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”
Jannik Sinner responds to Novak Djokovic suggesting he could have played his last French Open
Saturday 7 June 2025 00:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
“First of all, we hope that it's not the case, because I feel like tennis needs him. Having someone different than the younger guys and my point of view, it's so nice and amazing to see him in the locker room, and then having this energy of everything.
“I saw him practicing yesterday, you know, or couple of days ago. He's very precise in everything he does. It's a true role model for all of us.
“But if that's the case, I'm happy to be part of this, because it's a part of history also. But let's hope that's not the case, no? He said "maybe," so you never know. “
Novak Djokovic says Wimbledon and US Open are in his plans
Friday 6 June 2025 22:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic said he plans to play Wimbledon and the US Open but added that he has no other tournaments on his schedule at the moment looking ahead to 2026
“ Well, at the moment I will try to stick with the plan what I had, which is play the Grand Slams. Those tournaments are the priorities of my schedule, my calendar. Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in plans.
“That's all I can say right now. I'm going to, unless something, I don't know, happens, whatever. But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure. For the rest, I'm not so sure.”
Novak Djokovic on his future plans after French Open
Friday 6 June 2025 22:36
,
Jamie Braidwood
“This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don't know. That's why I was a bit more emotional even in the end.
“But if this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.
“I don't know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I going to ‘keep on keeping on’.
“Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months' time here again? I don't know.”
Novak Djokovic drops major retirement suggestion after French Open defeat
Friday 6 June 2025 22:16
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said his French Open semi-final defeat to World No 1 Jannik Sinner could have been his final match at Roland Garros as he sparked suggestions that he is nearing retirement.
The 38-year-old was denied in his bid to a win a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles title as Sinner held on to win in straight-sets.
Djokovic took his time leaving the court, waving to the crowd, and said he felt “gratitude” for the support he received during the loss.
The Serbian said he wants to play this season’s Wimbledon and US Open but could not guarantee that he would continue playing into the 2026 season.
More follows
One and two
Friday 6 June 2025 22:05
,
Mike Jones
The top-two players in the world have reached the finals in both the men's and women's singles at a single Grand Slam event for the first time since the US Open 2013 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka).
Sinner on facing Carlos Alcaraz in the final
Friday 6 June 2025 21:57
,
Mike Jones
The Italian added: "My head-to-head lately doesn't look great against Carlos, but let's see what I can do.
"I am happy to be here in the final, and we will see what we can do.
"Of course, I enjoy these moments. These are rare and special moments in my career.
"This is a special place for me. Thank you for being so nice to me throughout the full tournament."
Sinner on defeating Djokovic
Friday 6 June 2025 21:54
,
Mike Jones
The 23-year-old said that it was ‘special’ to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam.
During his on court interview he said: "Well, first of all, thank you so much for coming and for supporting us, me and Novak.
"It was such a special occasion for me playing against Novak in a semi-final of a Grand Slam.
"It was so amazing, I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. It shows again what a role model for all of us, especially for young players.
"What he is doing is incredible. I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. We are so lucky to see him play high-level tennis.
"He achieved so many things. He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing.
"Of course, I tried not to think about this, but before you're on court you feel the tension. I tried to prepare myself in the best possible way.
"I am very happy with how I did that today."
Jannik Sinner underlines the future is now by withstanding Novak Djokovic
Friday 6 June 2025 21:51
,
Jamie Braidwood
The development of Jannik Sinner from talented teenager to dominant World No 1 has been measured through his meetings with Novak Djokovic.
His early defeats to the most successful men’s player of all time, for example, taught the Italian how far there was to go.
His victory over Djokovic in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals was the moment that opened the door to his first of three grand slam titles.
Now, at the French Open, the 23-year-old looks on the cusp of more greatness after a steely 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory against his elder rival.
Emulating Novak
Friday 6 June 2025 21:48
,
Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner is also the first player to reach eight consecutive ATP-level event finals since Novak Djokovic did so in 2015.
Three in a row for Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 21:45
,
Mike Jones
23-year-old Jannik Sinner is the youngest player to reach three consecutive men’s singles finals at Grand Slams since Pete Sampras in 1994.
Jannik Sinner reaches French Open final
Friday 6 June 2025 21:42
,
Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner is just the second Italian in the Open era to reach the men's singles final at Roland Garros after Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Jannik Sinner reaches French Open final
Friday 6 June 2025 21:39
,
Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic was beaten in straight sets by Jannik Sinner but the match went on for three hours and 16 minutes.
Jannik Sinner defeats Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 7-6
Friday 6 June 2025 21:31
,
Mike Jones
We now have our finalists!
Jannik Sinner will play Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the French Open at Roland Garros.
GAME, SET and MATCH! Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-7 (3-7) Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:29
,
Mike Jones
There it is!
Novak Djokovic finds the net with a backhand. Three tough sets all go the way of Jannik Sinner.
The Italian wins the tiebreak, he takes the third set and he takes the match!
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-6 (3-6) Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:28
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic is almost beaten. A whipped forehand looks to be aimed at the baseline but Djokovic overcooks it.
Sinner then drills a forehand too long himself but he has match points and his own serve.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-6 (2-5) Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 21:26
,
Mike Jones
What pressure.
Both points go to the Italian. Djokovic punts a cross court forehand wide.
Sinner misses his first serve and Djokovic goes after the second. He’s slightly out with his timing and sends the ball long.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-6 (2-3) Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:24
,
Mike Jones
A wide backhand from Sinner brings Djokovic to the board.
The Serb rattles back a forehand and Sinner goes long.
Two big points from Djokovic. Pressure on Sinner again.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-6 (0-3) Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:23
,
Mike Jones
Sinner takes the next point too. He unloads on forehands which put Djokovic deeper and deeper. The Serb pokes a backhand too long and Sinner doubles his lead.
Oh no! That was the moment. Sinner clips the tape which leaves Djokovic with a nice bounce. He forces Sinner wide and he can only loft the ball back. Djokovic has the smash opportunity but lands it in the net!
Sinner leads by three!
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 6-6 (0-1) Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:21
,
Mike Jones
Anything can happen here. Novak Djokovic has the first serve and goes on the attack. He works Jannik Sinner to both sides of the baseline but can’t get the ball past.
Djokovic himself makes the error and Sinner takes the first point.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 6-6 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 21:19
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic has the chance to win the set again. Sinner must hold to force a tiebreak.
The crowd are loving it, they’re cheering and chanting and throwing out the Mexican wave. The atmosphere is brilliant.
Sinner starts off the game with an ace out wide. Wow.
He then messes up a backhand and doesn’t even get it close to play. 15-15.
Another two points are traded as Sinner loses control of his forehand this time. 30-30.
Sinner goes down the middle this time and Djokovic’s return bounces nicely. He waits for the slight movement from his opponent then whips the ball past him.
Djokovic needs to win but pushes a forehand too long.
Sinner holds and the third set is going to a tiebreak!
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 6-5 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:13
,
Mike Jones
Can Novak Djokovic shrug off that disappointment?
Yes. An early drop shot catches Sinner off guard and brings the Serb a point. He then forces Sinner onto the defensive and goes after another smash but misses this one!
15-15.
Djokovic is then bullied by the Sinner forehand and a counter punch from the Italian puts him ahead.
A low shot from Sinner hits the net and the two can’t be separated.
30-30.
Djokovic unleashes everything on a forehand as the match clock ticks over three hours. He wins the point and fires down an ace to hold!
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 5-5 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 21:09
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic is scrappy but controlled. The angle on his backhands force Sinner to respond across court. He goes wide.
A third break point chance from Djokovic goes begging as he drills a forehand down the line just wide.
At the second deuce, Djokovic pushes a backhand across the court and his shot is called out. It was a close call and Djokovic disputes the decision.
The umpire’s call stands though. Sinner is at advantage but Djokovic takes his anger out on the ball. He comes up to the net and smashes back an overhead volley.
Back to deuce.
Sinner holds! Three set points denied for Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 5-4 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 21:02
,
Mike Jones
The crowd goes nuts as Novak Djokovic takes a point from Jannik Sinner.
The noise level gets even higher as a second point lands the Serb’s way and he leads 0-30, just two points away from winning the set.
Sinner serves wide then dispatches the return to wrongfoot Djokovic and get a point on the board.
A forehand goes long from the Italian and Djokovic has two set points. He encourages the crowd to cheer and they do so!
Sinner remains composed but misses his first serve. His second puts Djokovic under pressure and he is forced to loop back his return. Sinner smashes a winner past him.
For the second set point, Sinner drills a serve centrally, Djokovic can’t return. Deuce.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 5-4 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:56
,
Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner looks to be dialled in but Djokovic reverts back his the drop shot and surprises his opponent.
A fizzing serve which Sinner fails to return keeps the Serb ahead but he then misses his first serve in the next rally. Sinner attacks with the backhand from the baseline and forces Djokovic into an error.
30-15.
Djokovic shrugs it off and storms up to the net. He works Sinner along the baseline and wins the point thanks to a backhand into the net.
But, Sinner doesn’t want to give the game up. He fires a forehand across the court before a flat, fizzing backhand to the opposite corner wins him the point.
A wide serve from Djokovic secures the hold!
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 4-4 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:51
,
Mike Jones
A rather nonchalant forehand from Sinner puts him into the lead in this game.
He then serves down the centre and matches Djokovic’s return. The Serb goes long and Sinner’s lead increases.
Djokovic then returns too long and in no time Sinner is 40-0 up.
A delightful backhand brings Djokovic a point but in the next rally the momentum swings both ways before Sinner lands one on the sideline chalk and claims the game.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 4-3 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:47
,
Mike Jones
Whatever Sinner can do, so can Djokovic. It’s a bit scrappier but equally as effective.
The Serb holds serve to love. We’re entering the business end of the third set now.
Is there a way for Djokovic to get a break?
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 3-3 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:44
,
Mike Jones
Even dropping onto his second serve Jannik Sinner has total control of his game.
A hold to love means there’s no space for Djokovic to attack or even challenge for a break.
The pressure lands back on the Serb’s shoulders now.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 3-2 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:40
,
Mike Jones
The Djokovic resistance isn’t over yet.
This could be a deciding factor in this match. The Serb attempts to keep Sinner at bay.
He saves two break point before forcing the Italian wide with a forehand to get up to advantage.
A serve-and-volley wins him the next point and takes him to a hold of serve. He still leads in the third set but is under big pressure.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:35
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic roars! He senses that he has control of a rally and can get himself ahead but he laces a forehand into the net.
Sinner leads 30-15 instead and Djokovic shakes his head until the serve which is smoked back. Sinner returns and comes to the net. He plays a volley to the middle of court but Djokovic gets there and whips backhand past Sinner.
The game goes to deuce.
Sinner then rattles through the points to a comfortable hold.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 2-1 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:24
,
Mike Jones
Lovely response from Djokovic.
The accuracy on his serves is still there whether he’s going wide on coming down the centre line.
A hold to 15, with just one warning of the power Sinner possesses, puts him back in front in the set.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 1-1 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:21
,
Mike Jones
Oh it’s just unreal. Sinner doesn’t flinch and doesn’t blink when in pressure situations.
In this situation with the pressure firmly on Djokovic he doesn’t let up.
A hold of serve to 15 puts him back on level terms in the set.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:18
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic’s head and shoulders sag. He’s put on the defensive and slices over a forehand. Sinner is patient though and powers a couple of returns at him to move him into the middle of court. He then drives a winner wide of the Serb.
The response is strong from Djokovic though. He manoeuvres his way up to a 40-15 lead then pushes a backhand wide trying to get the game done.
Sinner goes long and Djokovic holds.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 0-0 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:14
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic’s left leg is still hampering him and the umpire has called for a medical timeout for the Serb.
He lies on the floor and the physios get to work massaging him.
When time runs out, he stretches and heads back onto court for the start of the third set.
SET! Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-7 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 20:09
,
Mike Jones
Another ace! Sinner goes to advantage.
That’s the set! Sinner serves down the T line, Djokovic gets to the return but lifts his effort too long.
The game and the set go to Jannik Sinner. He leads 2-0 and it is a long way back from here for Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:08
,
Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic calls for the trainer in the break between games and gets his left leg rubbed down.
He may have hoped the slight break would help him reset but Sinner doesn’t let that happen. He’s incredibly controlled with his forehands and gets the lead.
Djokovic rallies and matches him for pace and power until Sinner serves wide and aces to move 40-30 up.
On set point, Sinner sends the ball to Djokovic’s backhand before missing a backhand of his own and sending the game to deuce.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-6 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 20:03
,
Mike Jones
Too good!
Sinner response to losing his own serve is to power his way past the Djokovic serve. He gets Djokovic to dance around from the baseline.
Sinner is being very aggressive and after a couple of attempts finally gets his break.
He’s now serving for the set.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-5 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:59
,
Mike Jones
Sinner has to respond and lift his own game. He wants to dominate and letting Djokovic into the set will not go down well.
The pace increases, as does the power. Djokovic matches him with superb defence. 15-15.
A forehand, off balance, down the line lands on the chalk and Djokovic nudges ahead. Sinner punts one too long and there are two points for the Serb to play with before a hold.
He’ll need both, Sinner forces him left then sends the ball the other direction. 40-30.
Missed! An attempted backhand drop shot spins wide. Sinner has deuce.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 4-6 5-5 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:55
,
Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic pushes a forehand to the sideline from the centre of the court. He’s starting to twinge in his leg but is giving this a real go.
The point takes him to 15-30 and he unloads on a second serve to win his first break point of the match.
Sinner serves to the forehand and Djokovic begins the rally in control. That doesn’t last as Sinner forces him across the baseline. Sinner drills one down the line and saves the first break point.
On the second attempt, Sinner hooks a shot into the net!
Djokovic breaks Sinner’s serve. Game on.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 19:51
,
Mike Jones
Sinner strikes first with a superb backhand return of serve but Djokovic responds with a serve-and-volley.
He needs a second attempt at an overhead smash to get the winner though which shows how quick and responsive Sinner is across the clay.
An inside out forehand wins him another point before a whipped cross court winner puts him 40-15 up.
He holds but now must break or else Sinner is taking the second set.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-5 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:44
,
Mike Jones
Djokovic is trying but he’s finding it difficult to inflict blows on Jannik Sinner.
In truth he’s just trying to hang in there with the Italian during his opponent’s service games.
He can’t live up to it. A hold of serve to 15 puts Sinner on the brink of winning the second set too.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-4 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 19:40
,
Mike Jones
Once again Novak Djokovic is drawn into a prolonged battle to hold his own serve.
Slight margins such as the pace of his serve or the placement of a sliced backhand are going either for him or against him.
Sinner pushes Djokovic so far behind the baseline that he can scoop a drop shot over the net. Djokovic comes flying forward but can’t get there in time and the point goes to him.
It sets up a break point rally which shows the task Djokovic faces. Sinner comes up to the net and plays a drop shot, Djokovic’s attempted lob isn’t good and Sinner knocks it back. Djokovic replys with a backhand but Sinner is already back to the baseline and fizzes his return over. Djokovic goes wide, Sinner breaks serve.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-3 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:34
,
Mike Jones
Novak Djokovic hasn’t had a break point against Jannik Sinner in their last two meetings and hasn’t had one in this match either.
He’s 15-30 up in this game but Sinner pings down another venomous serve which Djokovic lofts over the back.
Sinner then flies through the next two points. Almost without issue and holds.
Things are tough for Djokovic out there.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 3-2 Jannik Sinner*
Friday 6 June 2025 19:28
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Mike Jones
Not this time! A rally of thunderous backhands goes Sinners way after he checks a cross court shot and drills it straight instead. The ball lands on the line and the game goes back to deuce.
Djokovic looks as though he’s giving this game everything he has and forces Sinner long.
At advantage, he comes up to the net and wins with an overhead volley.
Great hold from the great man.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:27
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Mike Jones
Before this match began it was expected to be a close affair.
Perhaps the biggest question was how a 38-year-old Novak Djokovic would cope against his younger opponent.
The answer so far is well, but not well enough. Each player is good enough to take points from the other but the margins are slightly against the Serb.
At 30-30, on his own serve, he scoops a forehand, barely knee high, into the tape and gifts up a break point opportunity.
Djokovic then leaps into another forehand in the next rally and forces an error from Sinner to reach deuce. He yells in triumph and gets a reaction from the crowd.
It may be what he needs.
Sinner miscues a sliced backhand into the net and advantage goes to Djokovic.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
Friday 6 June 2025 19:20
,
Mike Jones
This match has ramped up in skill.
Sinner serves out wide to Djokovic’s forehand and the Serb sprints back into the middle of the baseline in anticipation for Sinner’s hit which lands long.