Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner give their verdicts ahead of Wimbledon blockbuster
The 2025 Wimbledon semi-final blockbuster between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic is the most anticipated match of the tournament so far, and the duo have shared their thoughts.
Sinner and Djokovic‘s showdown on Friday will be their 10th encounter, with the Italian holding a 5-4 lead from their previous matches.
Their most recent battle came in the semi-finals of the French Open last month, with Sinner earning a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(2) victory.
The last four clashes have been won by the Italian after the Serbian prevailed in four of the first five meetings.
Djokovic is seeking a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown, while Sinner is vying for his maiden title at the All England Club.
In the quarter-finals, world No 1 Sinner saw off Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4, while sixth seed Djokovic overcame Flavio Cobolli 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
In his on-court interview after beating Cobolli, Djokovic said: It means the world to me that at 38 I am able to play in the final stages of Wimbledon. Competing with youngsters makes me feel young, like Cobolli today. I enjoy running and sliding around the court.”
Asked about these comments in his press conference, the 24-time major champion said: “Well, I wasn’t joking actually. It’s fact, you know? Just way older than them. I was also saying on the court that that motivates me to see how much can I still keep going with these guys toe to toe.
“I lost straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros. I think I played a solid match. I could have played better, but he was just better player when the moments were important.
“So I get another opportunity. For me, this is what counts actually the most… Being in the last stages of Grand Slams and playing against the best player in the world right now. Him next to [Carlos] Alcaraz are the leaders of the tennis today, men’s tennis.
“Yeah, couldn’t ask for a bigger challenge, for sure, for myself. I look forward to it. I’ll do my best to get ready and perform my best there.”
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After beating Shelton, Sinner looked ahead to the prospect of facing Djokovic — who won his quarter-final later in the day.
“Me and Novak, we know us better because we played quite a lot. So we understand what’s working and what’s not.
“But yeah, I’ve never won against him here in Wimbledon, so it’s going to be a very, very tough challenge.”
The three-time Grand Slam winner also addressed the strides he has made since 2023, when he lost to Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
“Yes, of course. Back in the days, a couple of years ago, many things have changed for me. I feel that before matches I’m more comfortable, let’s say, or confident.
“But in the same time, I know that I have to keep working and keep putting pressure on myself because new players are coming. The new, new generation is growing. Novak is here and obviously.
“Carlos and a lot of other players. The work never stops, you know? I think that’s exciting. But yeah, I believe that I’m different player, different person. Hopefully I can say that I’m more mature, too, yeah.”
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