Jannik Sinner could push Novak Djokovic into retirement in 2024 claims Adriano Panatta draws parallel to Borg, McEnroe and Becker

Jannik Sinner's performances against Djokovic in the ATP season-ending tour as well as the Davis Cup earn him heavy praise from the pundits.

Jannik Sinner could push Novak Djokovic into retirement in 2024 claims Adriano Panatta draws parallel to Borg, McEnroe and Becker

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic (image via: Tennis. com)

Jannik Sinner had a superb 2023 season. The Italian finished the season high, reaching the ATP Finals and winning the Davis Cup with Italy. The 22-year-old really came to his own in the backend of the season. 

Sinner, as a young player, had shown bright promises in the 2022 season, where he was constantly doing well in the Grand Slams. However, this season has stood out as the breakthrough season of his career.

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The young Italian extended his lead and avenged the ATP Final’s loss against Novak Djokovic in the Davis Cup. Sinner also defeated Nole in the group stages of the season-ending Tour. However, Nole equaled the record with a win in the ATP Finals. He said:

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In my opinion, if Sinner were to beat him two or three more times in 2024, he would become Djokovic's nightmare, pushing him towards retirement. History teaches & usually repeats itself. Borg quit with the arrival of McEnroe, McEnroe retired when Becker arrived.

But come the semis of the Davis Cup, where Serbia was to face Italy, and Sinner was ready to write his name in the history books.

Sinner not only beat Nole in the all-pressure singles match but also beat him in the decisive doubles, where he paired up with Lorenzo Sonego. Sinner became only the third player after Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Mikhail Youzhny to defeat the Serb in consecutive weeks. Italian tennis legend Adriano Panatta has stated that Sinner has almost reached Djokovic’s level, and the Serb is wary of it.

Is Jannik Sinner that good to be the nemesis for Djokovic?

In the history of tennis, there has always been one young player who comes and beats the veteran and pushes the veteran out to retirement. The Italian legend Adriano Panatta has stated the same: Bjorn Borg quit with the arrival of John McEnroe, and McEnroe retired when Boris Becker arrived.

Thus, the Italian feels that if the young Italian manages to beat Nole on a few more occasions, it would push the Serb towards retirement.

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic (image via: The Independent)

However, more interestingly, the question is whether Sinner is that good to beat Nole constantly. Sinner has shown amazing resilience in the last couple of years, beating Nole in the second-round singles match with all the pressure on him. Even the Serb, who was eliminated by Sinner’s Italy, openly praised World No. 4 in the press conference.

However, Novak Djokovic is currently at the peak of his career, with a record 24 Grand Slam titles to his name. Defeating two absolutely talented young players in back-to-back games, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, to bag the ATP Finals proves that Nole is still at his very best.

Nole would be chasing a Golden Slam next year, whereas Sinner would like to win his first Major Grand Slam title. With that being said, there is no denying that the clash between the two Titans would be an absolute treat to watch.