Novak Djokovic is no stranger to big rivals, whether it be with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, or Roger Federer. However, facing World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros semi-final is a moment that still excites the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“It’s going to be the semi-finals of a Grand Slam against the world No. 1. There is no bigger occasion for me,” Djokovic said after locking his place in the final four in Paris. “Jannik is in tremendous form and he has been the best player for the last couple of years… deservedly.”
Djokovic, who turns 38 this year, has been making history with his impeccable gameplay. With his latest run at Roland Garros, he becomes only the fifth man in history aged 38+ to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. That’s not all; he’s also the first since Roger Federer at the 2020 Australian Open to do so.
The semi-final clash against young gun Sinner promises to be fiery. The two have not faced each other often on clay as their last meeting on the surface dates back to Monte Carlo. As both of them are not the best ones on clay, t will be interesting to see who advances for the finals against Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Musetti.
“We always had some exciting matches,” Djokovic recalled. “At one point I think we played 3 or 4 matches in a very short amount of time on hard court. We maybe played once on clay in Monte-Carlo, years ago.”
Sinner, who recently rose to the top of the ATP rankings, has been in red-hot form.
“He’s been playing some terrific tennis… attacking tennis. Super strong from every aspect of his game,” Djokovic said. “I haven’t played him in quite some time. It’s going to be a great challenge.”
Novak Djokovic, who looked sharp in his quarterfinal performance, knows he will need to raise his game once again.
“I’ll try to do my best to step it up and perform as well as I did tonight,” he said with determination.
With history on the line and a spot in the final up for grabs, all eyes will be on Court Philippe-Chatrier when the tennis legend takes on the new World No. 1.
