Novak Djokovic believes one of the new kings of men’s tennis is his natural successor

Kevin Palmer
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic is set to end his career as the most successful male tennis player of all-time and he has identified the player who is following in his footsteps.

Djokovic is striving to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, with world No 1 Jannik Sinner likely to be standing in his way if he makes it through to the semi-finals at the All England Club.

Now Djokovic has suggested Sinner’s ruthless approach on court is ripped from his own playbook, as he can see similarities in his game style and the Italian’s.

“I think it’s obvious in terms of the style of play that we both have, that we have quite a bit of similarities,” said Djokovic. “We try to take the ball early, be aggressive, and dominate the exchange from the baseline.

“I remember him as a really young kid, I think he was 13, 14 years old when I met him first and hit some balls with him. Already at that point, he was skinny and tall, kind of like myself.

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“He’s taller than me, but I was always quite skinny when I was younger. He was just ripping the ball. You could see that he’s got really good timing, good speed on his strokes.

“He uses a Head Speed racquet that I use, as well. There are quite a few similarities. But he’s unique in his own way. The work that he has done with his team over the last couple of years is tremendous in terms of his improvement. Serve, movement, accuracy.

“I mean, as much as everybody talks about the speed of his shots, but the timing is incredible. I think he decreased the number of unforced errors he had, maybe in the first few years of his career, and now he’s just super accurate and constantly puts pressure on the opponent because he plays so fast.

“So, yeah, I’m glad that I was able to in a sense influence him in a positive way, hopefully as someone that he was looking up to in terms of the game.

“He was working for quite a few years with Riccardo Piatti that used to be also my coach, who I have a great relationship with. That’s how I met Jannik. Riccardo would then ask me to give advice, some guidance to Jannik. So we would talk quite a bit. I would always be happy to share. It’s amazing to see his journey, to see how good he has become, and a dominant force in men’s tennis.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic was in sparkling form as he beat compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 to claim his 100th singles win at Wimbledon.

Djokovic needs just five more wins to equal the only other male centurion at Wimbledon, his great rival Roger Federer on 105 match victories.

“Very historic, it sounds very nice,” he said. “Tennis made me who I am, it has given me incredible things in life so I try not to take anything for granted, especially at my age and trying to compete with the younger players.

“Wimbledon is a favourite tournament, not just for myself but for most players. Any history I make at my favourite tournament, I’m blessed.”

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