Jannik Sinner, the stone in Novak Djokovic’s shoe?

The Italian, the only player to have beaten Djokovic between Wimbledon and the end of 2023, meets the Serbian in the semi-final, in Melbourne, on Friday.

In just a few months, it became the grain of sand in the Novak Djokovic machine. At 22 years old, Jannik Sinner may not be the strongest player on the men’s circuit but few things impress him in return. Not even world number 1.

Excellent since the start of the Australian Open, he is riding a great dynamic that began in 2023. Winner of the Serbian in the group stage of the Masters then in the Davis Cup, after 19 unsuccessful attempts, he even became the only player to beat the world number one between Wimbledon and the end of 2023.

At the dawn of a new confrontation between the two players, in the semi-final of the Australian Open, Friday January 26, it is not so daring to bet on the native of San Candido. He even emerges as the player most likely to beat the one who has already won 10 times in Melbourne.

Service, striking power… Progress in all areas of the game

A status acquired in recent months, resulting from the progression of the Italian in “all sectors of play”, explains Arnaud Clément. From service to striking power, Darren Cahill’s protégé neglected no aspect. “Last year we really focused on training. We did a lot of them during the tournaments and we also decided not to play some of them to favor the work periods, to improve the physique”detailed the world number 4 ahead of the Australian Open.

A profitable strategy. Naturally offensive, Jannik Sinner now has a game capable of defeating the world number one. “He’s someone who can come to the net, which is very important against a player who moves and defends as well as Djokovic, analyzes Arnaud Clément, he is also capable of serving very well, putting aces to Djokovic and having a good second ball where he comes to protect himself. It’s important when you’re facing the best returner in the world.”continues the former world number 10.

A strengthened mind

Mentally, the Italian is also stronger. Able to lose his quarter-final at Wimbledon, in 2022, against “Nole” while leading two sets to zero, it was by perfectly managing his emotions in crucial moments that he overcame Djokovic at the Masters 2023. The Serb himself admitted this after the match: “I believe that the big difference was made on the important points. He went, he was much more courageous […]. He played a fantastic match, that’s what I told him at the net at the end. In the important moments he played his best tennis and therefore deserved to win“.

“In the second part of the season, I was mentally strong. When things didn’t work out to my advantage, I didn’t complain. It’s the little details that make the difference”, admitted the Italian for his part. Internal management and a calm approach to high-stakes matches which also explain the ability of the Transalpine to beat Nole. “Unlike many players who have a slight mental handicap when facing Djokovic in a Grand Slam, Sinner is able to hold on, analyzes Arnaud Clément, he also has the advantage of having already beaten him, of knowing what works against him,” adds the franceinfo consultant.

Sparkling since the start of the tournament with no sets conceded, compared to three for his opponent, the Italian seems to have all the lights green… or almost. Because Novak Djokovic, who won all his semi-finals in Melbourne, has never lost against Jannik Sinner in a best-of-five set match.