Having just wrapped up the Shanghai Masters semifinals, Novak Djokovic arrived at the Six Kings Slam aiming for the $6 million prize. But Jannik Sinner seems a step ahead. The duo met twice before on the main tour, both times at Grand Slam semifinals. The Italian has blocked Djokovic’s path to a 25th Grand Slam on both occasions. Now, with no ranking points at stake, the Serbian struggled to get past the 24-year-old in the exhibition match in Riyadh.

On October 16, at Anb Arena in Riyadh, Sinner won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2 against Djokovic. The Italian delivered a masterclass to beat his childhood idol; even the Serbian legend had to applaud him.

Novak Djokovic was honest about Sinner’s level. He said, “I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today. It’s his fault. Not my fault. 😂 I tried to intimidate him a bit in that last game with the 0-15 point but it didn’t work. It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. He was just too good. Well done to him and good luck in the finals.” It was a real spectacle.

Sinner served superbly, something he struggled with lately. He fired 10 aces to Djokovic’s two. Sinner drew first blood in the third game and never looked back. The 38-year-old was left chasing shadows. In the second set, Sinner sprinted to a 5-1 lead. He broke in the first and fifth games and saved two break points in the sixth. With his rhythm locked, he sealed the win in just over an hour.

But when the question of facing Novak Djokovic came to Sinner, he was all praise. “He’s such a great role model for especially us, the younger generation. Seeing him competing, seeing him practice and training for these moments,” he said. “It’s amazing. What he has achieved in his career, it’s incredible and you know I see him as a real idol. To play against him is such a huge honour and and privilege. Obviously I’m happy about today, but I’m also happy to see him around.”

What’s surprising is that many on the tour would say that the Italian’s playing style is reminiscent of the 24 time Grand Slam champion! As the World No.3 Alexander Zverev once pointed out, “He’s very, very similar to Novak (Djokovic) when he was at his best. They barely miss.” When speaking of Sinner, even Novak couldn’t help but agree!

Novak Djokovic shares a surprising take on Sinner’s game

Djokovic didn’t hold back ahead of his clash with Jannik Sinner. Speaking honestly about who his opponent reminds him of the most, the Serbian made a confession that turned heads. “Sinner… I think it’s obvious,” he said with a smile. “I think we… you know, try to smack the ball as hard as you can and move well.”

The 38-year-old pointed out the striking similarities between himself and the Italian star. “Skinny, like I am and plays the game with perfection in terms of strategy and tries to be an all-round player and plays every shot in the game,” he shared. Then came the real admission, “yeah…I think that resembles me and my best days.” Fans loved the honesty. It felt like Novak was describing a younger version of himself.

With another solid win over Djokovic, the 24-year-old World No. 2 booked a fiery showdown against Carlos Alcaraz. The stage was set for another blockbuster, and the tension couldn’t be higher.