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Novak Djokovic Reveals if He Sees Version of Himself While Watching Jannik Sinner Play

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gouri Das | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 9:23 AM ET

Novak Djokovic is glad to positively influence Jannik Sinner, who has admitted that there are similarities between his and the Serb’s game. Djokovic had met the Italian ace for the first time when the youngster was working with coach Riccardo Piatti.

Piatti used to ask Nole to advise a teen Sinner, and the latter has often credited the 24-time Grand Slam champion for helping his game. At a press conference in the ongoing event, Sinner said he has learned more from Djokovic than any other player if playing style is considered. Djokovic, after eliminating compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, was asked in the press conference about the similarities in their game.

It’s obvious in terms of the style of play that we both have. We have quite a bit of similarities. We try to be aggressive. Take the ball early. Dominate the exchanges from the baseline. I remember him as a really young kid, 13 or 14 years old when I met him and hit some balls with him.. he was skinny and tall. Kind of like myself. He’s taller than me. I was always quite skinny when I was younger.

Djokovic could play the three-time Grand Slam champion in the semifinals. But before that, he has to go past Alex de Minaur, against whom he holds a 2-1 head-to-head record.

Novak Djokovic, 38 years old.

You just have to sit back and applaud. pic.twitter.com/TETIC79oDO
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) July 5, 2025

Sinner edges the 38-year-old 5-4 in the head-to-head record, having defeated him in the semifinal of this year’s French Open. While Nole is chasing his eighth Wimbledon title, Sinner has never reached the final.

He did his best in the grass-court Major back in 2023 when he progressed to the semifinal, only to lose in straight sets to Djokovic, who later lost a five-set thriller against World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz. Last year at Wimbledon, while Sinner was defeated in the quarterfinals by 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic once again reached the final only to lose in straight sets to Alcaraz.

Before this season, Djokovic played every final at Wimbledon since 2018. He last won a Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open and since then only once he was successful in reaching a Major final (2024 Wimbledon).

Novak Djokovic is expecting a tough match against Alex de Minaur

Novak Djokovic has a tough challenge ahead of him in the form of Alex de Minaur. The Australian is the winner of two titles on the surface.

He won the 2021 Eastbourne International and the 2024 Rosmalen Grass Court Championships. Since that win, he hasn’t yet lifted a title. He has reached the final of the Rotterdam Open this year but couldn’t beat Carlos Alcaraz.

At Wimbledon, the Aussie has never moved beyond the quarterfinals, reaching the stage last year. But he withdrew from the match because of injury issues. De Minaur has reached the last eight of every Grand Slam event but has not yet progressed to the semifinal.

It’s not exciting to play against Alex De Minaur on grass, that’s for sure because he is very fast and a very complete player. He has gained speed with his serve. He hits his shots very well. I expect a tough, very tough challenge. I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a great test to see where my game stands against a top player like Alex.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Djokovic has met the 26-year-old three times, winning two of those matches. Before scheduling the match against the former World No.1, the 11th seed went past August Holmgren in straight sets.

Djokovic last lifted a Big Title at the 2024 Paris Olympics by beating Alcaraz. At Wimbledon, he is also chasing his second title of the season, following the Geneva Open.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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