Novak Djokovic gives one player ‘slight edge’ in Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon final
Novak Djokovic has named his favourite to win the mouth-watering 2025 Wimbledon final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The 38-year-old Serbian was beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the semi-finals at the grass-court Grand Slam on Friday. The defeat ended Djokovic‘s quest for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon men’s crown and stopped his run of six consecutive finals reached at the London Grand Slam.
It will be the second straight Grand Slam final meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz after their epic French Open championship match last month.
In that Roland Garros blockbuster, Alcaraz prevailed in a fifth set tiebreak after five hours and 29 minutes having saved three match points in the fourth set.
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head series against Sinner 8-4 having won the last five matches, while Sinner triumphed in their only previous Wimbledon encounter in 2022.
Sinner will be playing his maiden Wimbledon final, while Alcaraz is seeking a third successive title at the All England Club.
After his semi-final exit at Wimbledon, Djokovic was asked who he thinks is going to win the final.
“Well, I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favourite because of the two titles he’s won here and the way he’s playing and the confidence he has right now,” said the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
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“But it’s just a slight advantage ’cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it’s going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah.”
In his press conference after reaching the final, Sinner addressed how much the French Open final was still in his head.
“I think if it would be a lot in my head, I would not be in the situation to play a final again, I guess (smiling),” said the world No 1.
“I’m very happy to share once again the court with Carlos. It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it, no? I try always to put myself in these kind of situations what I really love. Sundays on every tournament are very special.
“But this is a question I cannot answer because I think it’s something what you feel before the match and also during the match. I can give you answers after. But no, it’s different. Different match. I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked if he has a mental advantage going into his latest duel with Sinner, Alcaraz said: “Not at all, to be honest.
“What Jannik has, because he learned from everything as a huge champion, from the losses, from the matches he’s playing, he just get better after every match, after every day.
“I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a lot of things from French Open final, that he’s going to be better. He’s being to be better physically, he’s going to be better mentally. He’s going to be prepared on Sunday to give his 100%. I’m not thinking or I have advantage mentally Sunday because of that match.”
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