Jannik Sinner after defeat to Novak Djokovic at ATP Finals - ‘He makes me a better player’
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Published 20/11/2023 at 13:21 GMT
Jannik Sinner is targeting further improvement in 2024 after losing to Novak Djokovic when it really mattered at the ATP Finals in Turin. The Italian was beaten 6-3, 6-3 in the decider, having won against the world No. 1 earlier in the group stage of the tour’s season-ending competition. Sinner says Djokovic makes him a “better player” and has reflected on a strong second half of the season.
'I was not that sharp' - Sinner rues mistakes against 'best player in world' Djokovic
Jannik Sinner says losing to Novak Djokovic in the decider of the ATP Finals could help him in the long term - because it highlights where he needs to improve his game.
The Italian said the world No. 1 “makes me a better player”, following a 6-3 6-3 defeat in front of his home fans in Turin.
Sinner had impressed earlier in the week by beating Djokovic in the group stage, in what was a first loss for the 24-time grand slam champion since Carlos Alcaraz’s victory in July’s Wimbledon final.
But reaching the final at the season-ending men’s tour event represents progression for Sinner, who will end the year as the world No. 4, having finished 2022 15th in the rankings.
"Tennis is interesting because, as you can see, every day is different," Sinner said.
"Some days [ago] I won against him. Here the same conditions again and you lose.
"But I think generally today I saw that I still have to improve, for sure. I believe that he makes me a better player, like all the other players I lost to. I now have to work on this."
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Djokovic: When Sinner and Alcaraz 'start to kick my butt' I'll consider retirement
This year, the 22-year-old reached the semi-finals of a major for the first time - again losing to Djokovic at the All England Club - but failed to get past the last-16 at any of the other Slams.
Off court, it appears Italians are continuing to fall in love with Sinner. According to Relevant Tennis, 6.5 million people tuned in to watch the final in his home country - making it the most-watched tennis match in Italian history. That is despite Flavia Penetta’s US Open win in 2015, and Matteo Berrettini’s 2021 Wimbledon final in recent years.
Reflecting on how he has improved over the course of the season, Sinner pointed to his behaviour and temperament on court.
"I think there are many positive things, to be honest," he said.
"I think, especially the second half of the year, mentally I was much, much stronger. I was not complaining so much on court when things were going in the wrong way. I think these kind of things, they make a difference sometimes…
"One of the things where I can be really happy is that I played many, many important matches in the biggest stadiums we have throughout the whole year. This is something that can hopefully help for the next season."
Sinner will now switch his attention to Italy and their Davis Cup quarter-final with the Netherlands in Malaga on Thursday.
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