Wimbledon 2023: Exclusive: Jannik Sinner expects 'completely different' Novak Djokovic test in semis
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 12/07/2023 at 21:59 GMT
When Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic met at Wimbledon last year, it proved to be one of the highlights of the tournament as the top seed stormed back from two sets down to beat the youngster in five. A year later, they are set to face off in the semi-finals and Sinner says he will re-watch their previous meeting as part of his preparation. However, the Italian says a lot has changed in 12 months.
'Not enough to be 2-0 up' - Wilander on why Sinner must go long against Djokovic
Jannik Sinner plans to re-watch last year’s epic Wimbledon battle with Novak Djokovic ahead of their semi-final meeting but insists he is a different” player one year on while speaking exclusively to Eurosport’s Barbara Schett.
The pair’s quarter-final clash was one of the highlights of the men’s draw in 2022, as Sinner took the first two sets before a roaring comeback from the top seed where he won in five.
The Italian will have a chance to gain revenge on Friday when he faces the defending champion for a place in the final at the All England Club – and he hopes to learn from last year’s heartbreak.
“I am going to watch [last year’s quarter-final], knowing that it is going to be a completely different match, because I am different but I feel like also he has improved,” Sinner told Eurosport.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/07/12/3743003-76149988-2560-1440.jpg)
Wimbledon Highlights Day 10 - Alcaraz and Jabeur storm into semi-finals
“He is playing much better, so it's going to be a very tactical match.
“Let's see how the situation is going to be - if we play with the roof closed if it's raining, if there is sun, if it's windy, all these kinds of things. I'm very happy that I can face him again.”
Sinner has risen to No. 8 in the world this year, but the 21-year-old is breaking new ground at Wimbledon after reaching a career-first Grand Slam semi-final.
“It means a lot, many hours of work on the court and sacrifices, and it feels good,” Sinner said.
“In the other way, the tournament is not finished. I’m happy, I'm pleased that I can play my first semi-final here in this special court against a very special player.
“I'm looking forward to and hopefully it's going to be a good match.”
The youngster’s lack of experience stands in sharp contrast to his opponent, a 23-time Slam winner who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title.
But Sinner feels he has improved a variety of weaknesses in his game over the last 12 months to put himself in a much better position to surprise the decorated Serbian.
“I'm excited. I'm looking forward to this kind of match, because in my mind I feel like I have learned many things from last year's lesson,” Sinner said.
“I feel like that I have improved a lot throughout one year. Physically, mentally is a little a little bit different because I'm a top 10 player now.
“It is also mentally different and I'm looking forward to this.
On where he’s improved, Sinner said: “I feel that I'm serving better at the moment and also the confidence level is higher.
“Now, when I go to the net, I know that I have a decent volleys, one year ago was a little bit, so-so.
“Also, if I have to mix up the game, I can make drop shots, I can slice the ball if I have to.
“I feel that I have improved for sure, [there is] still a lot of improvement I have to make, but it's exciting that I can show it here in the semi-final.”
- - -
Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 15 and 16, on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/2210.png)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/6944.png)