Novak Djokovic, at 38, continues to defy the passage of time, showcasing his remarkable ability to perform when it matters most on the Grand Slam stage. His recent, emphatic victory over Alexander Zverev at the French Open, securing a semi-final spot, was a testament to his enduring quality despite a mixed regular season. This Grand Slam-focused drive was also evident in his Australian Open triumph over Carlos Alcaraz earlier this year.
Yet, his next opponent, Jannik Sinner, arrives in this semi-final as an almost unstoppable force. Sinner’s path through the tournament has been marked by a level of consistent dominance that has left his rivals bewildered. He approaches each match with a ruthless efficiency, putting opponents on the back foot from the opening point and often leaving them to celebrate minor victories, as seen with Bublik and Lehecka.
Sinner’s incredible form extends beyond Paris. His immediate success at the Italian Open, reaching the final just three weeks after a three-month doping ban, underscored his readiness. Alcaraz’s post-Rome warning about a super-charged Sinner in Paris has materialized, with the Italian cruising through the French Open without dropping a single set. Djokovic, fully aware of the threat, acknowledges Sinner’s consistent high-level play over the past year and a half.
What makes Sinner such a formidable opponent is his complete game. His forehand is lethal, his two-handed backhand is top-tier, and his serve has become a significant asset. Add to this an elite return game and a vastly improved defensive capability, and you have a player with no obvious weaknesses. Sinner’s recent 3-0 run against Djokovic, including the pivotal 2024 Australian Open semi-final, demonstrates his proven ability to defeat the world number one.
