Djokovic’s grass court skills could be edge over Sinner

The first time Novak Djokovic stood up and took notice of Jannik Sinner’s burgeoning talent was on the grass of the All England Club three years ago. The Italian, then just 20, stormed to a two-set lead in their quarterfinal on Centre Court.

- KIERAN JACKSON AT WIMBLEDON

Djokovic, aware of the severity of the situation, headed to the bathroom underneath the Royal Box.

“I had a refresh, a toilet break, and a little pep talk to myself in the mirror,” he would say afterwards. “That’s the truth.” Djokovic would go on to claim victory in five, with a spectacular backhand cross-court winner leaving him flat on his chest, the money-shot moment of the match.

Djokovic also defeated Sinner in the 2023 semifinals in an impressive straight-sets victory. But this, indisputably, is a different scenario some two years on. And as the two square off once more - five weeks on from the same match-up, in the same slot, at the same round of the French Open - it is the world’s best player in Sinner who boasts a fearsome record against the Serb.

The 23-year-old, 15 years younger than Djokovic, has won their last four meetings and the last six sets in a row. The Serb, the greatest men’s player to ever play the game, has not beaten Sinner in 30 months. It is a daunting prospect, as the duo face off again in their blockbuster last-four clash this afternoon.

Daunting, but not insurmountable.

“I lost in straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros, I think I played a solid match,” Djokovic said, after his four-set win against Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.