Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner in a tactical French Open semifinal, with technique and expertise key in opposition to the Italian’s power-packed, unbeaten Slam run.
Where Djokovic vs Sinner will likely be gained
For the primary time in eternally, Djokovic was not the outright favorite for a Slam title. Rising considerations over his trophy drought and health, coupled with the rising dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, had many specialists hesitant to again the Serb for a French Open triumph. The outlook solely marginally improved after his 16-month anticipate an ATP title resulted in Geneva, simply days earlier than he landed in Paris.
But it was at all times naive to jot down off Djokovic at any Slam.
Djokovic’s love affair with Roland Garros is never spoken of — and naturally so, having performed by an period of Rafael Nadal’s unmatched supremacy on Parisian clay. Yet, Djokovic’s feats on the French Open are subsequent in line.
Of his record-extending 51 Grand Slam semifinal appearances, 13 have are available Paris — seven occasions he made the ultimate, and 3 times he lifted the trophy. He has gained 101 matches at Roland Garros, changing into solely the second man to breach the triple-figure mark. He’s additionally the one participant to have crushed Nadal twice on Court Philippe Chatrier. And don’t overlook: Djokovic stays unbeaten on the venue since his title-winning run in 2023, which he adopted by clinching a historic Olympic gold.
Now 38, and nonetheless chasing that unprecedented twenty fifth Major, Djokovic faces a mighty hurdle in his bid for a thirty eighth Grand Slam ultimate — World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The Italian has been a drive to reckon with in Paris. Fresh off a run to the Rome ultimate, Sinner is but to drop a set at Roland Garros and is on the fourth-longest Grand Slam profitable streak of the century, having lifted the trophy on the final two Majors.
Djokovic vs Sinner: Head-to-head
The Paris semifinal will likely be their ninth assembly on the tour. Both have gained 4 matches every up to now. Sinner has claimed victory in all of their final three encounters, together with the Australian Open semifinal earlier this yr. However, Djokovic holds a slender 2-1 edge in Grand Slam conferences and in addition gained their solely clay-court conflict — albeit 4 years in the past.
Where the match could possibly be gained or misplaced
Sinner has come a great distance since that Monte Carlo loss in 2021. Clay has historically been his least favoured floor, along with his recreation higher suited to laborious courts. But his run in Paris this yr displays a major tactical shift.
One key change has been in his return stance in opposition to first serves — now adopting a side-facing place along with his left foot ahead, permitting him to spring into motion. This stance stays standard on second serves.
Sinner has gained 47% of his receiving factors in Paris this fortnight, with a 55% success charge on break factors — each greater than Djokovic’s 46%. But this will likely be put to the final word check in opposition to the Serbian maestro, who delivered a serving clinic in opposition to Zverev.
After a sluggish begin along with his first serve, Djokovic tailored neatly — going extensive to pull the German off court docket and ending factors on the internet. From touchdown simply 52% of first serves within the opening set, he surged to over 75% within the subsequent three. He additionally combined in his signature drop photographs to maintain Zverev guessing.
Djokovic would do effectively to deploy the identical technique in opposition to the reigning Australian Open champion — quite than interact in baseline slugfests the place Sinner’s thunderous groundstrokes may tip the size.
The different weapon Djokovic will likely be cautious of? Sinner’s forehand. According to statistical data from Craig O’Shannessy, Djokovic’s former analyst, Sinner hit 65 forehand winners en path to the quarterfinals — with solely 69 errors dedicated off that wing.
Prediction: Sinner in 4 units.
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