Novak Djokovic is no stranger to Grand Slam semi-finals. Still, his upcoming clash against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon 2025 seems like a big challenge for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Speaking after his hard-fought quarterfinal win, Djokovic was full of praise for the man who awaits him in the next round. “Playing against the best player in the world right now… him next to Alcaraz are the leaders of men’s tennis today. Couldn’t ask for a bigger challenge,” he said.
With that being said, this upcoming semi-final showdown is a rematch of their recent Roland Garros battle, where Sinner handed Djokovic a straight-sets loss.
“I lost in straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros. I think I played a solid match. I could’ve played better. But he was just a better player when the moments were important,” Djokovic reflected. “I get another opportunity. For me this is what counts the most. Being in the last stages of Slams. I look forward to it. I’ll do my best to get ready and perform my best there.”
The tennis legend even made it clear that a generational shift in men’s tennis is underway, with Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz taking the lead.
“I wasn’t joking actually. It’s facts. I’m way older than them,” he said when asked about his earlier remarks. “But that motivates me — to see how long I can keep going toe-to-toe with these guys.”
Djokovic, who appeared to tweak something on match point during his quarterfinal win, admitted he’s fully focused on recovery ahead of what promises to be a physically and mentally taxing encounter.
“I don’t expect anything to be honest. I just try to focus on my recovery right now. Getting my body in shape for a very physical battle,” he said. “Hopefully I can deliver the level and be able to stay with him for potentially five sets. It’s going to take the best of me at the moment to beat Jannik. I know that.”
With Djokovic chasing his eighth Wimbledon title and Sinner trying to make the right comeback after his doping ban, the semi-final is set to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. And fans are all set.
