“He is clearly the favorite,” Jannik Sinner backs Novak Djokovic for Wimbledon title despite fitness problems

After a successful 2023, Djokovic is trophyless in 2024 even after playing six tournaments. 

“He is clearly the favorite,” Jannik Sinner backs Novak Djokovic for Wimbledon title despite fitness problems

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago)

Jannik Sinner is confident of his chance to become the Wimbledon champion after his first title on grass at the Halle Open which he won by beating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. He recently dethroned Novak Djokovic from the top position of the ATP Rankings after the Serb withdrew from the Roland Garros quarterfinal against Casper Ruud following his knee injury. 

Djokovic then underwent knee surgery and has now started his training at Wimbledon. However, he has made it clear that he’ll only play in the SW19 if he gets 100 percent fit. After a successful 2023, Djokovic is trophyless in 2024 even after playing six tournaments. 

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Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam title Djokovic didn’t win last year as he lost the final to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in three sets. And despite his form issues this year, Sinner believes if Djokovic gains back his fitness he will be the favorite to win the Wimbledon Championships. 

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We are all excellent players and there can always be some surprises in a tournament like Wimbledon. So I won't say whether I'm the favorite or not. Djokovic certainly is: if he comes back, if he is fit, he is clearly the favorite. Alcaraz won last year, and Zverev is playing very well. We'll see. It will be a very interesting tournament. 
Jannik Sinner told Repubblica (via Napolista)

Sinner has met the 24-time Grand Slam champion seven times, winning three of those matches. The Italian, however, won his last two encounters against Djokovic, in the 2023 Davis Cup semifinal and the 2024 Australian Open semifinal. 

Jannik Sinner explains why he smiles a lot while playing 

The mantra to play consistently for Jannik Sinner is to enjoy his time on the courts. In that same interview with Repubblica, Sinner said having fun while playing is very important for him, although he admitted there are moments when he turns serious. 

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via Imago) 
I always need to have fun when I play. We are on the pitch in many tournaments throughout the year. Fun is essential: if you don't have fun it's difficult to manage everything. 
Jannik Sinner said 

The World No.1 gave his best at Wimbledon last year when he reached the semifinals, which he lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Sinner won his first Grand Slam title in this year’s Australian Open by beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final. After his Australian Open triumph, he won three more titles this season. 

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