French Open: Jannik Sinner hopes Novak Djokovic isn’t retiring, says 'tennis still needs him'
Jannik Sinner is hoping Novak Djokovic isn’t calling time on his career just yet, saying “tennis needs him” after defeating the Serbian great
- PARIS — Jannik Sinner is hoping Novak Djokovic isn’t calling time on his
career just yet, saying “tennis needs him” after defeating the Serbian great in
straight sets to reach the French Open 2025 final.
-
- The Italian beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a
high-quality semifinal clash that lasted three hours and 16 minutes on Court
Philippe-Chatrier, setting up a title showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
-
- “First of all, we hope that that’s not the case,” Sinner
said in the post-match press conference. “I feel like tennis needs him. Having
someone different than the younger guys… from my point of view, it’s so nice to
see him in the locker room and having this energy of everything.”
-
- Sinner, who grew up idolizing the Serbian star, was full
of praise for the 37-year-old, calling him a "true role model" and
reflecting on their early interactions when he first arrived on the ATP Tour.
-
- “I saw him practising a couple of days ago. He’s very
precise in everything he does. He’s a true role model for all of us. If that’s
the case, I’m happy to be part of this. Because it’s a part of history also.
Also for me, it’s nice to be part of this. Let’s hope it’s not the case. He
said ‘maybe’, so you never know,” he added.
-
- Sinner trained with Djokovic in Monaco during the early
stages of his career and said those sessions left a lasting impact. “Many
things,” he said when asked what he learned from the former World No.1. “I was
lucky enough to practice with him when I was very young. In Monaco, we
practiced a lot. Every time I asked questions, he answered me in a very honest
way. It’s very nice.”
-
- The Italian also addressed how Djokovic is often
misunderstood by fans and the media. “People don’t see how he really is. I
think people from outside or people who don’t know him have a different picture
of him. It’s not like this. He’s a very kind person. He’s very helpful in times
when you need it. I’ve learned many things from him.”
-
- Sinner noted that while their playing styles aren’t
identical, he has always drawn inspiration from the 24-time Grand Slam
champion. “I feel like my game style is… not the same, because we are
different, but at times similar. I’ve watched a lot of his videos. I was lucky
I could share the court with him some time ago. He’s very important for me as a
player and also as a person. I really appreciate his kind words because it
means I’m improving as a player, which is the most important part.”
