By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Jannik Sinner was one set from snapping Novak Djokovic’s 25-match winning streak at Wimbledon, but the Serb raised his level and slipped past the rising Italian in five, 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, on Tuesday at Wimbledon.
Though it was a difficult loss to stomach, the Italian takes his defeat in stride and looks forward to better Wimbledons. He should be proud. Sinner had never won a tour-level match on grass prior to Wimbledon, and he surged to the quarterfinals, riding his jawdropping crosscourt forehand to stunning upset of Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 and nearly pushing past Djokovic.
Djokovic's second-set pep talk in the mirror is already the stuff of Wimbledon lore.
But what did Sinner tell himself after taking a two sets to love lead?
“Just trying to keep going,” he said. “I think I played well. I knew that he's gonna change something, so I tried to prepare myself before. “Oviously a lot of positives if you win the first two sets, the other one, for sure, is struggling more. I tried my best. You know, that is all I can say. Hopefully one day I can come back and play even better.”
As a frequent practice partner of Djokovic, including multiple times this week, Sinner says there is lots to learn from the six-time Wimbledon champion. Unfortunately, he may have opened up a few of his weaknesses to the Serb as well.
“I think we have some similar style of tennis, a little bit, I always like to practice with him, because he has a good ball to hit,” Sinner said. “I think also I have, so we have a good rhythm.
“In one way, it can help you. You know, when you play against [him], you know what to expect. In the other way you know also a little bit the weaknesses of both of us.”
Djokovic had nothing but praise for the Italian after their match concluded on Tuesday.
“First of all, I must say a huge congratulation for a big fight today for Jannik, and I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of opportunities for him on the big stage,” Djokovic said. “He’s so mature for his age. I mean, he’s been established now [as a] top-10, top-15 player for last few years. He’s got plenty of time and it was unfortunate for him today, but a very good tournament and I wish him best of luck for the rest of the year.”
Sinner, who is the first ATP player under 21 to have three Grand Slam quarterfinals to his name since Juan Martin del Potron in 2008, says he practiced with Djokovic after his first and second round matches.
“After the first round, I think the first and the second matches, we both won the day after we practice together,” he said. “I mean, it's always a special feeling, even if you go on the practice courts and you can practice with him.”