Jannik Sinner quotes Novak Djokovic following his entry in the finals of the 2023 Canadian Open

Sinner takes inspiration from Djokovic ahead of the Canadian Open final.

Jannik Sinner quotes Novak Djokovic following his entry in the finals of the 2023 Canadian Open

Jannik Sinner (Credits : India Today)

Jannik Sinner has advanced to the final of the Canadian Open after defeating American player Tommy Paul in the semi-final 6-4, 6-4. This is the second final for the Italian player, as he had qualified for the final of the Miami Open earlier in the year. The semi-final was nothing short of extraordinary as the 21-year-old won a 46-shot rally at 4-2 (30/40). 

Speaking about his victory after the match, Sinner quoted Novak Djokovic as saying, “Pressure is a privilege.” He said that to be able to come this far and be able to play on centre court is an amazing feat that he is privileged to have. “Pressure is something great,” he said. “When you feel pressure, it’s something positive. It’s a privilege to have; not many players have that.

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It comes with a lot of pressure, as many tennis fans have their hopes and expectations set on him. He is going to face his doubles partner Alex de Minaur in the final, and logically, he is touted to be the favourite in this match. Therefore, the mantle is his to bear. 

Taking inspiration from Djokovic, he wants to turn the pressure into his weapon. Djokovic first said this in an interview after the quarterfinal with 25-year-old Andrey Rublev. He was quoted saying, “The pressure is paramount every single time, especially here, the Center Court at Wimbledon. But, at the same time, it awakens the most beautiful emotions in me and it motivates me beyond what I have ever dreamed of and inspires me to play my best tennis,”

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Jannik Sinner will face Alex de Minaur next

Jannik Sinner

Sinner will face Australian player Alex de Minaur next. The 24-year-old player defeated the Spaniard Alejandro Dadovich Fokina in straight sets to earn his place in the finals. The irony is that both are partners in Toronto Doubles. 

In their head-to-head record Sinner, leads 4-0 and expects to continue his winning streak in their upcoming confrontation in the finals. When asked about his encounter with his partner, Sinner praised De Minaur and said, “Alex is an incredible player,” “He’s showing that here in this tournament and the week before making the final in Los Cabos. Hopefully, it’s going to be a great match.” 

If Sinner emerges victorious in this final, he will succeed Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud to enter the top 5 list. 

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