“If you give Novak the opportunity to talk, he’s not going to stop. I wish I could stay there for four hours and just keep chatting,” Aryna Sabalenka admitted after listening to Novak Djokovic’s endless wisdom before her pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon. It wasn’t a jab: it was admiration. From rookies taking their first steps to seasoned pros seeking insight, everyone has a story about him. Daniil Medvedev recalls a Monte Carlo hit that led to a Davis Cup flight; young guns Jakub Menšík and Hamad Medjedovic speak of mentorship; Aleks Kovacevic remembers the US Open gym chats. At 38, Djokovic continues to mentor, sharing why he chose to help Jannik Sinner, even though no one once helped him a while ago.

During the 2025 Six Kings Slam, an interviewer reminded Novak Djokovic of Jannik Sinner’s touching tribute. The young Italian had credited Djokovic’s words and guidance after their 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinal encounter as a crucial influence in his rise to World No. 1. When asked if any of his own rivals had ever extended such mentorship to him, Djokovic’s response carried both honesty and quiet reflection.

“Of the greatest rivals? No, nobody has done it for me. Only when I was young and we had the same coach, Ivan Ljubicic, who was No. 3 in the world and in that part of my career I was in the Top 100. I had the same coach as him Riccardo Piatti, Italian. But others didn’t.” [translated from Italian].

Riccardo Piatti, one of tennis’s most respected coaching figures, has guided an array of top-tier players, including Milos Raonic, Richard Gasquet, and, at one point, a young Novak Djokovic himself from 2004 to 2005. 

Years later, Piatti would go on to shape another generational talent, Jannik Sinner, steering the Italian through his formative years until 2022. The connection between the three men seemed fated, teacher to pupil, champion to challenger.

Djokovic, reflecting on why he chose to guide Sinner, spoke with characteristic humility and conviction. “Why I did it? I did it because I create [pauses] that It’s something that is natural. Something that for me is logical. If someone asks me something I have to be honest and for me I understand that others maybe don’t want to share. However for me it’s a pleasure.” Those words revealed not just mentorship, but philosophy, Djokovic’s belief that greatness grows when knowledge is passed on, not guarded.

Three years later, the story has come full circle. The Serbian, still defying time at 38, continues to chase silverware and cement his legacy. But that single conversation from 2022 continues to echo: its impact is visible every time Jannik Sinner steps onto a court. 

In Riyadh, Sinner extended his stunning streak against Djokovic, overpowering the legend 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Six Kings Slam. Dominant on serve and return, the Italian sealed the match in just 63 minutes, marking his seventh consecutive victory over the 24-time Grand Slam champion, including two in the Six Kings series.

Yet even in triumph, Sinner’s admiration shone through. “Seeing him competing and practising and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible. I see him as a real idol. To play against him is a huge honour and privilege. I’m happy about today but I’m also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around,” Sinner said afterward, his respect as powerful as his forehand.

Now, as Djokovic looks to close out a turbulent yet relentless season, the fire still burns. Should he reach the ATP Finals, records will once again tremble in his wake. 

And whether mentoring the next generation or rewriting history himself, Novak Djokovic continues to prove, his greatest legacy isn’t just in the trophies, but in the players he inspires to dream beyond them.

Novak Djokovic set to surpass another of Roger Federer’s ATP Finals records

In 2022, Novak Djokovic etched his name alongside Roger Federer by claiming a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title, defeating third-seeded Casper Ruud in a masterclass that cemented his legacy. That victory marked him as one of the most formidable season-enders in tennis history, a crown jewel among his 24 Grand Slam triumphs.

Fast forward three years, and Djokovic’s relentless consistency has once again propelled him toward Turin. Four Grand Slam semifinals, a Miami final, a Shanghai semifinal, and a Geneva title have all contributed to his qualification. With 4,580 points in the Race, the Serbian superstar has mathematically secured his spot at the season-ending spectacle.

Yet, as in previous years, Djokovic’s actual attendance remains a tantalizing mystery. Fans and pundits alike are left on tenterhooks, speculating whether the maestro of modern tennis will grace the Turin courts.

If Djokovic does compete, he would match Federer’s record of 17 ATP Finals appearances, a milestone that underscores both longevity and brilliance. At present, he is only registered for the ATP 250 in Athens (November 2–8), a tournament organized by his own family, leaving room for uncertainty.

Should he skip Turin, the consequences ripple across the Race. Félix Auger-Aliassime, currently tenth while competing in Brussels, stands to benefit, while Cameron Norrie’s season appears over, and Jack Draper, ninth in the Race, has also concluded his campaign. The door, though narrow, remains open for the Canadian.

Djokovic’s hunger, however, remains insatiable. His desire to chase records and redefine modern greatness burns as brightly as ever, echoing the torchbearer role he has assumed in tennis.

Time alone will reveal whether the Serbian will break yet another record, etching his name ever deeper into tennis history, and reminding the world why Novak Djokovic is the embodiment of enduring excellence.