John McEnroe Insists Novak Djokovic Must Rise to the Occasion to Beat “Tougher” Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner for the ninth time in his career in the semi-final of the Roland Garros.

John McEnroe Insists Novak Djokovic Must Rise to the Occasion to Beat “Tougher” Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and John McEnroe (via X/The Tennis Letter/BBC)

Novak Djokovic overcame Alexander Zverev in four sets on Wednesday (June 4) to set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Jannik Sinner. The tie is set to be the ninth meeting between Sinner and Djokovic and will determine who gets to the final. Tennis Legend John McEnroe believes that the Serbian can notch up a win if he rises up to the occasion.

At 38, Djokovic has had to fend off questions about retirement this week by performing excellently on the court. He has once again defied age to reach the latter stages of another Grand Slam. He has also proven that he can compete with the top players in the circuit and claim victory.

However, things didn’t start too well for the former World No.1 in this clay-court season. He suffered two consecutive opening-round defeats at Monte Carlo and Madrid. But he has since rediscovered his best form at the perfect time in his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros.

He’s into the semi-finals after claiming his 101st victory at the French Open. He will face Sinner for a slot in the championship match. The 24-time major winner is currently tied 4-4 in his head-to-head record against the Italian star, but Djokovic has lost three consecutive meetings against the World No.1, Their last meeting ended in a win for Sinner in the 2024 Shanghai Masters final.

Ahead of their clash at the Roland Garros, John McEnroe was asked whether Djokovic can beat Sinner. The tennis legend revealed on TNT Sports that the 38-year-old has surprised him with his performance but adds that it will be a tough challenge when he faces the Italian star:

I’ve been lucky to have this job for 30 years and 20 of them watching this legend do his thing time and time again. It doesn’t surprise me in a way – it amazes me – but it doesn’t surprise me that he’s still able to play at this level, that he wants it still this badly. It’s rather remarkable. As time goes on, even he, you would think it would get tougher for him, but this is going to get a whole lot tougher I’ve got news for you. Sinner’s come to play, he’s playing incredible tennis.

Djokovic is chasing his fourth Roland Garros title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, while Sinner is aiming for a maiden Roland Garros title and fourth major. Both players will go for the win when they play on Friday (June 6) at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. The winner of the tie will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Musetti in the final.

John McEnroe reveals the tactics Novak Djokovic should deploy against Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner has not met any top 10 player at the Roland Garros. He was expected to face Jack Draper in the quarter-finals but Alexander Bublik knocked out the British No.1 in the fourth round. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic faced his first Top 5 opponent (Alexander Zverev) and got the better of him.

Novak Djokovic (2)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Jose Morgado)

Also, Sinner has not been really troubled by opponents at the Roland Garros, while Djokovic has had to play a four-set tie in the quarter-finals. John McEnroe revealed that Djokovic’s best tactical approach against Sinner will be to extend the match beyond the usual three sets and serve big:

The path tactically is to do what most guys need to do is just serve big. He’s going to have to use the crowd, which I think will be behind him. He’ll be the underdog coming into the match, and he’s going to have to – believe it or not at 38 – test Sinner, who hasn’t played that much tennis, hasn’t lost a set. The longer it goes, there could be a question of where his fitness is at and if the nerves get to him. So that’s what he’s going to try to do.

Sinner’s only major test since his return from suspension was against Carlos Alcaraz, and he lost the tie in straight sets in the Rome Masters final. Also, the last time he played a five-set thriller at the Roland Garros, he lost to Alcaraz last year in the semi-final.

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