By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, October 17, 2025
Photograph credit score: Netflix/Riyadh
Going through Jannik Sinner provokes the pragmatist—and fleeting fantasist—in Novak Djokovic.
Wimbledon winner Sinner thrashed Djokovic 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the Six Kings Slam last in Riyadh towards Carlos Alcaraz.
Afterward, the candid Grand Slam king summed up a match of frustration merely: “it’s by no means good when somebody kicks your ass like this on court docket.”
“Look, it felt like a runaway prepare,” Djokovic mentioned of dealing with a pointy Sinner. “He was smacking the ball from all corners. I used to be simply attempting to hold in there. He was simply too good. I used to be attempting to hold in there. Nicely carried out to him and good luck within the finals.
“It’s at all times value it as a result of the love of the sport and the eagerness for tennis is there. Excuse my language nevertheless it’s by no means good when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court docket. It’s positively wonderful that I’m nonetheless having the ability to play at a excessive stage being High 10, High 5, it’s a very good feeling.”
World No. 2 Sinner has defeated Djokovic six occasions in a row, together with straight-sets wins within the Roland Garros and Wimbledon semifinals.
The 38-year-old Serbian famous person’s final win over the two-time Australian Open champion got here on the 2023 ATP Finals. Although Djokovic joked about buying and selling our bodies with a youthful participant, the 10-time AO champion mentioned latest defeats to Sinner and No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz have solely deepened his defiance.
“Look, I’m attempting my finest. I’ve the physique that I’ve. I’m grateful for the whole lot that God has granted me in my life,” Olympic gold-medal champion Djokovic mentioned. “It’s been an unbelievable journey, a tremendous profession, there’s been a lot to have a good time.
“I would really like if somebody can commerce a youthful physique with me, that may be good, only for a yr so I can attempt to win towards these guys.
“Jokes apart, I nonetheless have the drive. Clearly, I do know it’s turning into way more tough for me to get a win towards Jannik and Carlos notably. However I’m going to maintain difficult them till it occurs. Let’s see.”
