Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers and for the second consecutive year at Wimbledon when they square off again on Friday afternoon, this time in the semifinals.
Their showdown in the quarters last summer marked Djokovic’s toughest test of the tournament on his way to a fourth consecutive title. The Serb immediately found himself one set from leaving London, but he stormed back to win–convincingly in the end via a 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 decision. Their only other encounter came at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters, where Djokovic cruised 6-4, 6-2.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion will be on red alert heading into this rematch, and not just because of his scare last summer at the All-England Club. When healthy, Sinner has been on fire in 2023. The 21-year-old Italian is up to No. 8 in the world thanks in part to a 37-10 record this season, which includes a title in Mallorca and runner-up performances in Rotterdam and Miami. Sinner’s first two Grand Slams were underwhelming, but his first semifinal run at Wimbledon has featured victories over and Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Diego Schwartzman, Quentin Halys, Daniel Elahi Galan, and Roman Safiullin.
Sinner is among the most dangerous players on grass–and on any surface, really–and so is Hubert Hurkacz. Djokovic faced Hurkacz in the fourth round and got through a tough contest, prevailing 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4. The 36-year-old also dropped a set in the quarterfinals against Andrey Rublev but recovered to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. During the first week Djokovic did not lose a set while defeating Pedro Cachin, Jordan Thompson, and Stan Wawrinka–although all three opponents forced a tiebreaker.
“It’s going to be a completely different match than last year,” Sinner commented. “He knows me better, as I know him better also. It’s going to be also a little bit tactical. In the other way, it is also a little bit mental. If you play against Novak, it’s always tough to play–especially in Grand Slams.”
“He’s playing on a very high level,” Djokovic said of Sinner. “He likes to play on grass. He likes to play on quick surfaces because he likes to be aggressive and take control of the point. From both forehand and backhand, he’s smashing the ball really, really hard, trying to be the one that is going to dictate the point from early on. I know his game well.
“He’s a very complete player. Now first time in semis of Wimbledon. I’m looking forward to that challenge. We both have two days to recover. I’m sure that he’s going to be very, very motivated to win. On the other hand, I am, too.”
And why wouldn’t Djokovic be? The calendar-year Grand Slam is still in play, plus he can tie Roger Federer with an eighth Wimbledon title. This will probably be the world No. 2’s sternest test of the fortnight, as Sinner is just as talented as Hurkacz and has a lot more belief. But you can’t pick against Djokovic right now under any circumstances–especially not at Wimbledon.
Pick: Djokovic in 4
WWW?
Novak 3-2
Novak is an old professional tennis player. Also, Novak is already arthritic: al least elbow, shoulder, etc. Furthermore, Novak is going to have to give all he has on court. Therefore, do to Novak’s age which implies he has no physical resources for the long run, he will lose. Jannik, at the contrary, is a super professional tennis player that has a pristine physical body that can withstand the hardest confrontation that may come. So, Jannik will win. It may take 5 sets.
No, Djokovic gave a laundry list description of his opponent and said “he is very young”, so no doubt if Sinner read or heard that he will now be self conscious and not play out of his skin. Well played D.
A bit off subject, but you wouldn’t believe what I saw today – so much rigging and corruption in the world.
Novak in straight sets – one of them a tiebreak set.
Novak will prevail. He is in great shape and can last over 5 sets more better than anyone. GO NOVAK!!
Sinner’s the winner…in 3!
Novak will win this. Just a guess at the score : 6-4 , 7-5 , 6-3