Jannik Sinner relishes testing himself against ‘improving’ Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner is relishing the prospect of playing his first Grand Slam semi-final against Novak Djokovic.

Sinner lost to Djokovic in the last eight at Wimbledon last season but he feels this upcoming contest will be a different affair.

The Italian said that he would review the footage from that match but feels that the Djokovic he will meet on Friday will be a very different an improved beast.

“I am going to watch [last year’s quarter-final], knowing that it is going to be a completely different match, because I am different but I feel like also he has improved,” Sinner told Eurosport.

“He is playing much better, so it’s going to be a very tactical match.

“Let’s see how the situation is going to be – if we play with the roof closed if it’s raining, if there is sun, if it’s windy, all these kinds of things. I’m very happy that I can face him again.”

Sinner isn’t quite ready to reflect on his performance at Wimbledon as he is still alive in the championship hunt.

“It means a lot, many hours of work on the court and sacrifices, and it feels good,” Sinner said.

“In the other way, the tournament is not finished. I’m happy, I’m pleased that I can play my first semi-final here in this special court against a very special player.

“I’m looking forward to and hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”

Sinner is eager to test his progression in the game against the best in the world when he faces Djokovic.

“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to this kind of match, because in my mind I feel like I have learned many things from last year’s lesson,” Sinner said.

“I feel like that I have improved a lot throughout one year. Physically, mentally is a little a little bit different because I’m a top 10 player now.

“It is also mentally different and I’m looking forward to this.

“I feel that I’m serving better at the moment and also the confidence level is higher.

“Now, when I go to the net, I know that I have a decent volleys, one year ago was a little bit, so-so.

“Also, if I have to mix up the game, I can make drop shots, I can slice the ball if I have to.

“I feel that I have improved for sure, [there is] still a lot of improvement I have to make, but it’s exciting that I can show it here in the semi-final.”

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