Just before the start of the epic SF clash between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, American legend John McEnroe had said that it would “make sense” for Novak Djokovic to win his 25th major title at this year’s Roland Garros, but he still remains an “underdog” in Paris. “The path tactically is to do what most guys need to do is just serve big. He’s going to have to use the crowd, which I think will be behind him. He’ll be the underdog coming into the match, and he’s going to have to – believe it or not at 38 – test Sinner, who hasn’t played that much tennis, hasn’t lost a set.” According to McEnroe, the longer the match goes, it becomes a real test for the Serb’s fitness levels. Despite needing a few medical attentions during the match, Djokovic has managed to hold on to Sinner for quite some time in this match. But amid all these, there was a controversy!

During the third set of this match, when the scoreline was 5-4 (40-40) in favor of the Serb, there was a moment when Novak Djokovic looked a bit unsatisfied with a line call. Djokovic thought the ball was in, and hence, seeing it called out, he even started arguing with the umpire over it. During this moment, even Sinner was spotted showing Djokovic how close this call was. Later on, the Serb was seen asking the umpire to come down and check the mark. But the replay showed it was clearly out. Insane drama!

If we take a closer look at this match, Jannik Sinner started the match by sealing the first set by 6-4, and although in the second set, Djokovic tried to bounce back in the second, the Italian pulled it back at 7-5. The third set has been quite close so far, and Djokovic is leaving no stones unturned to get one step closer to his 25th Grand Slam title. But as of now, things look quite difficult for the Serb!

If we take a look at their rivalry, before this meeting, they had met each other eight times in their careers so far. Although the H2H record is level at 4-4, Sinner has won their last three encounters. Before this meeting, both players were spotted showing respect towards each other during the press conference. For example, while talking about Novak Djokovic, the Italian said, “He has shown in the last period that he is back to the level. He plays very, very well, so it’s going to be quite tactical, but very, very difficult. He’s such an experienced player, 24 Grand Slam [titles]. I think that says everything.“

Before this tournament, Novak Djokovic clinched his 100th tour-level title in Geneva. So, he entered this tournament with a lot of confidence. After his first-round match against America’s Mackenzie McDonald, the Serb said, “History in this sport has given me everything in my life, it means a lot to me. I always try to make history where I can… In all the tournaments I play, all the practices, all the matches, and especially during the biggest tournaments in the world. There is an opportunity to make more history, and that is one of the biggest motivations I have for competitions, for continuing to work and better myself.” If he wins this match, he’ll then add yet another feather to his cap.

But Novak Djokovic knows it won’t be easy beating this youngster. Speaking about Sinner before this match, he said, “I know what to expect from Jannik. He’s going to come out and play at a very high level, as he did basically every tournament that he played in the last year and a half. I don’t expect anything less from him.” However, having said that, he also claimed, “But these kinds of match-ups and challenges extract the best out of me.” What does the tennis world have to say about this epic battle?

Nick Kyrgios drops his prediction for Novak Djokovic’s SF clash against Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner is one of the very few players who have won three or more consecutive matches against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Before this match, when Novak Djokovic was asked to share his plans against Sinner, he said, “I just hope that I will be able to physically keep up with Sinner in a few days’ time. How am I gonna stop him? I don’t think about that. I think about, how am I going to execute what I want on the court and feel how I want to feel. So that’s where my thoughts are going.“

He had then claimed he’d do his best to get ready for his 51st Grand Slam SF. But interestingly, Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, didn’t look too confident about the Italian’s chances against Djokovic in this epic battle. He said, “If, a month ago, they had asked me if I would sign to reach the final [of the French Open], I would have said yes without hesitation. Jannik still needs to improve a few things, especially in anticipation, mobility to the corners, and the automatisms required in matches. I don’t know if what he has now is enough to beat Novak.“

Cahill believes there is nothing more challenging than meeting Novak Djokovic in the SF of a tournament like this. But despite a few worries, he claimed that he has a “great faith” in his player. So far, Sinner has looked quite impressive in this match. 

On the other hand, Nick Kyrgios, who has been one of the biggest critics of Sinner during the doping saga, claimed, “I think he (Djokovic) can but I think Sinner will be a heavy favorite. Sinner is a monster, man.” If Novak Djokovic fails to win this match, do you think he can clinch his 25th in the next two major events this season?