Novak Djokovic jokes about being part of the next generation while declaring Jannik Sinner as the leader after their Wimbledon semis clash
The Serbian tennis legend heaped praises on the young Italian, touted him a leader of the Next Gen.
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Novak Djokovic (Credits: Wimbledon)
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic bested Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semis in a rematch of their 5 sets encounter last year. The victory marked Djokovic’s record-extending 34th straight win at the prestigious Major. He has now advanced to his ninth Wimbledon final and a record-setting 35th Grand Slam final.
During the on-court interview following the match, Djokovic spoke about his performance and responded to a remark saying that he was perhaps playing his best tennis this late into his career. “I would like to believe that’s the case. We are part of an individual sport so you have to rely on yourself and put yourself in the best physical and mental state before heading out on court,” Djokovic said.
Continuing his train of thought, he further added, “I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels pretty good. I feel a lot of motivation. This sport has given me and my family a lot. I will return a favor to this sport and play as much as I can.”
Djokovic praises Sinner’s efforts, touts him as leader of Next Gen
The Serb however, had no dearth of praise for the young Sinner’s efforts in his maiden Wimbledon semifinal run. He remarked on Sinner’s incredible potential and said that the scoreboard today does not do his effort justice.
“Semi-finals was always going to be very close and very intense. I think maybe the scoreline doesn’t give the reality of what happened on the court. It was super close,” he said. “He has proven why he is one of the leaders in the next generation and one of the best players in the world. It’s great to be part of this new generation, I love it.”
Djokovic’s smooth, deep returning was a constant threat to Sinner’s serve, and he was rock-solid under pressure, saving all six break points he faced in his two-hour, 46-minute victory. Djokovic’s consistency was a huge factor in his victory, and he kept the pressure on Sinner throughout the match.
Djokovic has marched into the final without facing much resistance in this ongoing Wimbledon. Despite not playing a warm-up event in the grass, Djokovic has held on to his status as the clear favorite to win Wimbledon this year as well. Notably, Djokovic has also won the Australian Open and the French Open this year to have another go at a Calendar Slam after coming tantalizingly close in 2021. He is set to face the winner of the Alcaraz – Medvedev match in the final.
In case you missed it:
- “I felt nervous after that,” Novak Djokovic addresses the hindrance controversy during Wimbledon semi-finals against Jannik Sinner
- WATCH: “Serves right to the obnoxious crowd” – Novak Djokovic mocks the rowdy Centre Court crowd with FAKE TEARS after being booed during match against Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semis
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Ketan Kunkalikar
(129 Articles Published)