Sinner: 'Djokovic didn't play like usual'

Australia's Jannik Sinner, after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals on January 26, commented that his senior did not play as well and focused as usual.

"In the first two sets, he didn't play as well as he usually does," Sinner said at a press conference after his semi-final against Djokovic. "He didn't move as well as he usually does, and he didn't seem to be focused. But he's the world number one and you always have to be ready for him to change things, like in the third set."

Djokovic (right) congratulates Sinner, after the Australian Open semi-final on January 26 at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. Photo: Sky

Nole started his match against Jannik Sinner in the worst way of the tournament. He made 29 unforced errors and won only three games in the first two sets. At the net, Sinner quickly got into the rhythm, serving, returning and hitting well. The first two sets ended in just half an hour, with Djokovic failing to get a break point and losing 1-6, 2-6.

In the next two sets, Nole also had no chance to win Sinner's serve game. He won 8-6 in the tie-break of the third set, before losing a 40-0 lead, thereby losing 3-6 in the fourth set.

"Djokovic is probably the best returner in the world, so not having any break points is an unusual statistic for him," Sinner added of his senior. "But in tennis, you always have bad days. I realized I had a chance and continued to play with high intensity. I'm very happy with the result."

Sinner also said he was a little nervous when he was close to winning, but learned a lot from facing Djokovic many times recently. "There were times when my legs were heavy," said the Italian. "The first game in the fourth set and the deciding game are very important. Grand Slams test the mind in a very different way. I was lucky and honored to play a lot of Djokovic at the end of last year. Those matches were much more rewarding than the practice sessions."

The pair met three times in the last two months of 2023. Sinner won two matches in the group stages of the ATP Finals and Davis Cup, but Djokovic won the most important match of them, the ATP Finals final. By defeating his Serbian opponent for the first time in a Grand Slam, Sinner reduced the head-to-head record with Nole to 3-4.

Sinner celebrates reaching the Grand Slam final for the first time. Photo: Reuters

After defeating Nole and ending his senior's 33-match unbeaten streak at the Australian Open, Sinner did not forget to show his gratitude to his defeated opponent. He recalled a practice session with Djokovic when he was 17 years old in Monaco. At that time, Djokovic advised Sinner to try to play more aggressively and unpredictably, and to improve his serve.

Sinner's victory over Djokovic has once again prompted talk of a generational transfer of power. Sinner, who has won 19 of his last 20 matches, is in top form in the world. He remains humble and respectful of his seniors when speaking on the subject: "Me, Alcaraz and Rune have different mentality and style on the court, but we have in common the belief in ourselves. But we are lucky to see seniors like Djokovic and Nadal still playing and training. Unfortunately, I don't have the chance to play Federer. I always try to learn as much as possible from them."

Sinner will face the winner of the second semi-final between Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. For the first time since 2014, the Australian Open title will not be won by the "Big 3" of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. "The final will be great whether it's Zverev or Medvedev," Sinner said. "They are both players who play unbelievable tennis."

Vy Anh

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