Archive of posts tagged London

Riccardo Piatti comments on the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

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Carlitos

The Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the US Open represent the two new stages of the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who will compete for the first position in the ATP rankings until the end of this season. The 22-year-old Spaniard won Roland Garros for the second year in a row at the end of an epic final, in which he also cancelled out three match points, but the current world No.1 took revenge on his top rival at the Wimbledon Championships by becoming the first Italian ever to lift the trophy in London.

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is still at the top of the ATP rankings, but he will have to defend many more points than Carlitos in the coming months and risks being overtaken. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be called upon to defend 3000 points between Cincinnati and New York, unlike his main rival who had not shone in these two events last season.

Piatti talks about Sinner and Alcaraz 

There is no doubt that the US Open – scheduled in New York from August 24 to September 7 – will be fundamental in the race for the first position in the ATP rankings, with the Italian and the Spaniard doing everything possible to play their best tennis in Flushing Meadows.

In a long interview with 'La Stampa', top coach Riccardo Piatti – who worked with Sinner until 2022 – analyzed this amazing rivalry in detail: "Carlos' top goal is the US Open: if the Spaniard were to triumph in New York, it would become very difficult for Jannik to finish the year as number 1.

They are two champions who love competition and aspire to become the best version of themselves, without obsessions of any kind. Sinner has raised his level exponentially in the last year and has understood that he will have the chance to make the Grand Slam in the coming seasons. I've always thought so."

In the 2022 edition of the US Open, Jannik and Carlitos played a memorable match in the quarterfinals.

Emma Raducanu makes it crystal clear what she wants from Rafael Nadal's ex-coach

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Aryna Sabalenka

Emma Raducanu sounds ecstatic over adding Francisco Roig to her team and highlights the main thing she wants from Rafael Nadal's former coach is to help her improve her game to the level where she can legitimately challenge the very best in the game. 

Ahead of Cincinnati, the 2021 US Open champion made a major announcement, revealing that Nadal's former coach of 17 years agreed to work with her. 

So far this year, there hasn't been much stability in Raducanu's coaching staff. After Nick Cavaday left the team in late January, the 22-year-old was assisted by some LTA coaches, before having an unsuccessful two-week stint with Vladimir Platenik in March. Ultimately, the British tennis player hired Mark Petchey – but since he has his own commentary commitments – he wasn't a full-time presence in the box until the grass season.

But now, Raducanu's tumultuous 2025 coaching situation may have come to an end with the Roig appointment.

Raducanu: Roig has got a bank of experience… I want the quality of my shots to be better

“It’s going really well, it’s my second day here with him here, but I did a few days in London before I came out here. He’s obviously got a bank of experience and I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side," the Briton said.

So far in her career, Raducanu has collected three wins against top-10 players. This year, the 22-year-old played against Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Zheng Qinwen, and lost all of those meetings. Her lone top-10 win of the year came against Emma Navarro in Miami. And that's one aspect that she wants to fix.

“I’m working on the quality of my shots to be better. I think against the very top that’s what it needs, it needs to improve. So I’m hoping that with time – I’m pretty patient, I’m going to try and be pretty patient – that it’ll improve," Raducanu underlined.

In the Cincinnati first round, Raducanu will play against a qualifier.

Carlos Alcaraz reflects on Wimbledon loss to Jannik Sinner: 'I left the court happy'

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All England Club

World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will chase his first Cincinnati crown. The 22-year-old hit the practice court in Ohio with his trademark energy and perspective, leaving the recent setback behind and chasing new titles.

The five-time Major champion reflected on a key moment from earlier this summer – his first loss in a Major final at Wimbledon to Jannik Sinner. After winning the first five Major finals, Carlos ended on the losing side for the first time. 

Jannik lost the opener but earned a well-deserved 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory, avenging the Roland Garros heartbreak. Despite the defeat, the Spaniard found reasons to leave the court with pride and joy.

Alcaraz entered the final with a 5-0 score in the title match, a remarkable feat for any player. However, he acknowledged the fact he had to lose a Major final at some point, like every other player.

As he walked off Centre Court without his third consecutive Wimbledon trophy, the 22-year-old felt pride instead of frustration. The Spaniard recognized the need for improvement but described his defeat as part of a natural progression.

The setback has not dampened Alcaraz's drive. Instead, with a grounded mind and a growing hunger to evolve and become one of the ultimate tennis champions, he is focused on what lies ahead.

Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025© Facebook – Wimbledon

 

His next goal? Cincinnati and US Open titles and the ATP throne taken away from Jannik Sinner! The hard-court season unfolds, and Carlos brings with him the lessons from the All England Club. 

They are not a burden but fuel for the journey forward. After performing a miraculous escape in Paris, the Spaniard could not provide similar performance in London. 

He claimed the opener before Sinner bounced back and claimed the next three sets with a single break in each, outplaying his greatest rival and providing his first loss in Major finals.

Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, 2025© Stream screenshot

 

"I want to win every final I play, especially at Majors. I lost to Jannik at Wimbledon, but left the court happy and proud. I smiled and thought that I had to lose a Major final at some point, like everyone else.

I have to make many improvements from the title match in London, but I felt good right after the match. I had to be grateful for everything I have achieved, and reaching the Wimbledon final is always great.

I lost it, but I still felt proud and happy with everything I did," Carlos Alcaraz said. 

Jannik Sinner revives Wimbledon glory: 'Even I was surprised by my level'

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All England Club

World no. 1 Jannik Sinner is preparing for the title defense at the Cincinnati Masters. The Italian heads to Cincinnati following a historic triumph at Wimbledon, becoming the first player from his country with a trophy at the All England Club. 

Sinner is preparing for the North American hard-court swing with renewed motivation, hoping to defend the ATP throne from Carlos Alcaraz. As was expected, the 23-year-old enjoyed his break from tennis after conquering Wimbledon. 

The world's best player spoke about the emotional high of the final against Alcaraz and acknowledged that the experience felt very different to his other Major finals.

Five weeks earlier, Jannik squandered three match points against Carlos in that epic Roland Garros final, suffering a heartbreaking 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 defeat in five hours and 29 minutes.  

The Italian recovered and made a fresh start at the All England Club. He survived a major scare in the fourth round against Grigor Dimitrov and entered the last four with a win over Ben Shelton.

Sinner outplayed the seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets and arranged his first Wimbledon title clash against Alcaraz. The Spaniard took the opener, but the Italian kept his composure and provided a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory in three hours and four minutes.

Jannik Sinner, Cincinnati 2025

Jannik Sinner, Cincinnati 2025© X – Cincinnati Open

 

Jannik experienced different sensations from his previous Major finals, especially after what happened in Paris. The four-time Major winner revealed he was surprised with the level he produced, especially against his greatest rivals in the latter stages.

The first-time Wimbledon champion took a couple of days off the court, spending quality time with family and friends. Sinner then returned to Monte Carlo and started his preparations for Cincinnati and the US Open. 

The Italian has to defend both titles and 3000 ATP points. The pressure is there, but Jannik looks recharged and eager to build on his incredible season and add more silverware to his growing collection. 

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner, 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Will anyone stop him? Only time will tell in the next five weeks.

"The final at Wimbledon provided a different sensation because of what happened a month earlier at Roland Garros. Bouncing back in London and performing at that level surprised me, too.

I was thrilled to spend some time off the court after London and see my family and friends. After spending time with important people around me, I returned to the practice court and gave my best to prepare for the US swing, an important part of the season.

Winning Wimbledon felt very special," Jannik Sinner said.

Carlos Alcaraz rejects Rafael Nadal successor label: 'We are not obliged'

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Carlos

Carlos Alcaraz is the five-time Major champion at 22. The El Palmar's early success has drawn inevitable comparisons to his great compatriot and idol, Rafael Nadal.

Yet, the young gun is determined to forge his own identity, following that path since his arrival on the Tour. Frequently hailed as Nadal's heir, Alcaraz is grateful for the admiration but refuses to embrace that narrative.

Carlos does not want to see himself as Rafa's successor. He reflected on the great rivalries and great players we had in the past. However, he does not feel obligated to use the same path and mirror what they did.

While respectful of the legacy forged by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Carlos emphasized the importance of self-belief and individuality. 

The young gun is defending his ideas and philosophy, using it as a defensive mechanism against pressure. As he adds more trophies to his growing collection, Alcaraz remains focused on building a legacy that is entirely his own.

The Spaniard has been the player to beat since April. The 22-year-old has embraced six consecutive finals, conquering Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and Queen's while falling in the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner.

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot

 

The El Palmar native took a couple of weeks off the court after losing his first Major final in London. He withdrew from Toronto and hit the practice court ahead of his next stop. 

It's next week's Cincinnati Masters, his final preparation for the US Open. Carlos' goals? Another Major trophy in New York and the ATP throne taken from Jannik Sinner!

"I do not want to be seen as Rafa's successor. Tennis has always had great rivalries and great players. It's a privilege that people watch our matches in this way, with such enthusiasm.

In the end, we have no obligation to do what they did, far from it. If you do not defend your ideals and aspirations, that pressure can consume you. You have to know how to differentiate.

We try not to think about the pressure and, above all, to do as they did," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz follow in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's footsteps

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All England Club

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the most notable tennis stage since 2024, having won the previous seven Major titles. Their first final came at Roland Garros this June, and they turned it into one of the most thrilling matches of all time.

We did not have to wait for too long to see the world's greatest players battle for another Major trophy, with the two favorites reaching the title clash at the All England Club. 

The first-time Wimbledon finalist Sinner ousted the two-time champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, earning his first Major crown outside hard and providing the Spaniard's first loss in the Major finals.

At 22 years and two months (Alcaraz) and 23 years and ten months (Sinner), they evoked memories of the 2006 Wimbledon final, forging the youngest title clash at the All England Club since Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. 

Eighteen years ago, the world's best players fought for the Wimbledon crown for the first time. Nadal turned 20 just a month ago, and Federer was still 24, celebrating his 25th birthday a month later.

Carlos and Jannik could not match them, but they still achieved a notable milestone, another in their growing joined CV. They could not revive the thrill and excitement from their Paris match. 

Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

However, their final reflected a shift in power and reaffirmed the bright future of men's tennis. Both players are hungry for more, and no one should be surprised if we see them in another title clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium in September.

Unlike in Paris, Jannik took charge in London and celebrated his fourth Major crown. The Spaniard claimed the opener before the Italian took charge, serving well and provided a single break in each of sets two, three and four to emerge at the top.

Thus, Sinner showed incredible mental strength following the Parisian heartbreak. He bounced back at Wimbledon and secured his third trophy at the previous four Majors.

Novak Djokovic may have to wait until 2026 to make history: all details inside

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Australian Open

Novak Djokovic is realizing how difficult it will be to win another Grand Slam title and become the oldest player ever to achieve this feat. The former world No.1 still has the ability to raise his level in surprising ways in Major tournaments – having reached the semifinals in Melbourne, Paris and London this year – but the truth is that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have reached a level that is too high for him nowadays.

The Serbian legend no longer has the athletic fitness of a few years ago and the number of his injuries has definitely increased in the last year and a half, forcing him to admit that it will not be easy to make tennis history for the umpteenth time.

The 38-year-old from Belgrade could have retired in the summer of last year, after achieving the last huge goal of his career by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but he loves this sport too much and has decided to continue competing at the highest level. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has repeatedly repeated that he would be really proud to participate in the next edition of the Olympics, scheduled in Los Angeles in 2028, when he will be 41 years old.

Nole is aiming to win his 25th Grand Slam title

Meanwhile, Nole has decided to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 and is expected to return to action in Cincinnati next month, the last test before the start of the US Open in late August. The Serbian veteran is still enjoying his holidays in Croatia and Greece.

Speaking to Gigi Salmon on the latest episode of the 'Courtside Conversations' podcast, Mansour Bahrami reflected on Novak's current status: “I thought that he is going to do it. I know that it’s going to get more and more difficult. For me Wimbledon was maybe the last one so it would be unbelievable and he has done so many things unbelievable that we all are amazed how great he’s done.

He’s a great champion, he’s won everything and so is he capable at almost 39 to go and win Australian Open. I would say if there is one that would be Australian Open. But it’s going to be very, very hard.”

Legendary coach knows what Carlos Alcaraz needs to do to go to the next level

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Alcaraz Alcaraz

One of Carlos Alcaraz's main goals this season was to finally find that consistency that he had always lacked in previous seasons. The young Spanish ace has already shown that he has a talent beyond all logic and has already won a lot if you consider that he is just 22 years old, as well as having been at the top of the ATP rankings for 36 weeks and having won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics a year ago.

However, the rise of his top rival Jannik Sinner has forced Carlitos and his team to look for new solutions to get closer to the top of the ATP rankings, which the Italian ace has monopolized for 60 weeks in a row.

Rick Macci has advice for Alcaraz

Alcaraz's 2025 had not started brilliantly, indeed the young star from Murcia had a crisis during the spring suffering a shocking elimination in the second round of the Miami Open. He took a little vacation with his family after that tournament and made his intentions clear, returning to play his best tennis on his beloved red clay.

Since that time, Carlitos has been almost unstoppable lifting the trophy in Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and the Queen's Club. The world No.2 reached his third final in a row at the Wimbledon Championships and hoped to become the youngest ever to win six Major titles, but his run in London ended in the final against a deluxe version of Sinner who made Italian tennis history.

Through his official X profile, legendary coach Rick Macci – who also worked with the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) at the beginning of their careers – gave an important piece of advice to the 22-year-old Spaniard: “Carlos can to go to the next level if he controls the center of the court. Because he is the Spanish Cheetah he can play too far back and run track. If he is dealing the cards on the rise and plays with his eyes he has a better shot at the prize."

Watch: Carlos Alcaraz trains at home in Murcia ahead of Cincinnati return

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Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is back on the practice court, preparing for the North American swing following a well-earned post-Wimbledon break. World no. 2 hit the court at the La Manga Club in Cartagena, Murcia. 

The five-time Major champion trained with a familiar face – Rafa Segado. The two go way back to their days at the JC Ferrero Academy. Segado competes in college tennis for the Florida Gators.

Carlos suffered his first loss in the Major finals in London, falling to Jannik Sinner in four sets and missing his third straight Wimbledon crown. The Spaniard opted to skip the Canada Masters in Toronto to recharge. 

After embracing a couple of entertaining weeks with his family and friends, the 22-year-old is back on the court, getting ready for his return in Cincinnati, the seventh Masters 1000 event of the season.

With minimal points to defend in Cincinnati and the US Open, Carlos sees a prime opportunity to close the gap on Jannik in the ATP rankings and chase the ATP throne for the first time since 2023! 

The Spaniard is plotting a strong summer run – one that could propel him back toward the no. 1 spot. Alcaraz is leading the ATP Race ahead of Sinner following a brilliant run since April. 

The young gun has reached six consecutive finals, embracing his career-best winning streak and lifting four trophies, including a Major and two Masters 1000 shields. 

Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025© X – Wimbledon

 

Carlos bested his rivals in Monte Carlos and Rome. He used that boost and defended the Roland Garros title after one of the most thrilling Major finals in tennis history. 

Alcaraz defeated Sinner 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, saving three match points and moving over the top after five hours and 29 minutes. The same rivals met in the Wimbledon final. 

The Spaniard claimed the opener before the Italian responded and notched a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory in just over three hours. Thus, Carlos experienced his first defeat in the Major finals. 

The young gun will work hard on improvements ahead of Cincinnati and the US Open, setting his eyes on the two notable events and hoping to steal his greatest rival's glory. 

Jannik Sinner reaches final at all four Majors faster than Rafael Nadal

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All England Club

Jannik Sinner's run at Majors has been nothing but spectacular in the previous two years! The Italian's relentless rise continued at Wimbledon a couple of weeks ago, lifting his first trophy at the All England Club.

By reaching the final in London, Jannik collected title matches at all four Majors as the ninth player in the Open era. At 23 years and ten months, Sinner became the second player to achieve that, passing Rafael Nadal and trailing only Jim Courier!

The great Spaniard got his name on the list at the 2010 US Open at 24 years and three months. Roger Federer entered the chart at the 2006 Roland Garros, two months before turning 25, and Novak Djokovic joined at the same tournament six years later at 25.

Jim Courier holds the record, completing the final at all four Majors at Wimbledon in 1993, still at 22. Jannik could not match him, but the names he left behind speak volumes about his achievement.

Sinner has reached seven semi-finals at the previous nine Majors, with five titles matches and four titles under his belt. The Italian celebrated 81 times in his first 100 matches on the most notable scene, a tally few can match.

More impressively, he has been nearly unstoppable at last four Major events, compiling a staggering 27-1 record and lifting trophies in New York, Melbourne and London. 

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Jannik almost completed a Career Grand Slam, having missed three match points against Carlos Alcaraz in that epic Roland Garros final. Sinners ability to adjust across surfaces highlights a level od adaptability and maturity well beyond his age.

With each Major event, the 23-year-old further establishes himself not just as the future of tennis, but as a dominant force of the present. What's next for Jannik? The US Open title defense.

The young gun will be the favorite to defend the crown at Arthur Ashe Stadium and extend his hard-court Major dominance, having won the previous three tournaments in Melbourne and New York.

Dominic Thiem is surprised by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

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Carlos Alcaraz

As of the start of the 2024 season, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have become the two new leaders of the men's tour and it is no coincidence that they have shared the last seven Grand Slam titles. The Italian ace triumphed in Melbourne in 2024 and 2025, at the 2024 US Open and at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, while the Spaniard prevailed at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025 and at Wimbledon in 2024.

Jannik and Carlos are able to express a level that is clearly superior to that of all the other players and – at the moment – it is not clear who can stop their rise. The top two players of the ATP rankings have faced each other in the final in both Paris and London this year, and fans are already dreaming of a new chapter in their rivalry taking place in New York at the end of the summer.

Their matches are simply epic and the recent Roland Garros final is destined to be remembered as one of the best of the modern era, as well as being the longest in the history of the French Slam. The star from Murcia prevailed in the fifth set after canceling three match points in a row, completing one of the most impressive comebacks in recent tennis history.

Thiem is speechless

During a long interview, former Austrian ace Dominic Thiem – who had to leave tennis due to a serious wrist injury – discussed this electrifying rivalry: "Their matches are always very balanced and spectacular, they have raised the level of the sport and are taking it to another dimension. Jannik and Carlos play at an impressive speed and move very well. No one expected that two such champions would emerge immediately after the Big 3."

The 2020 US Open winner also added: "Both are much superior to their opponents today, but it can happen that they lose too. I don't know if they're going to win every Grand Slam tournament in the next few years, but there's no doubt that they're one step ahead of everyone today."

Jannik Sinner joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal in rare Novak Djokovic Major feat

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accomplished player

Jannik Sinner has dominated men's tennis since the second part of 2023. The Italian ended the season ranked 4th and with his first victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals.

Jannik shifted his game to an even higher level since 2024, embracing a 99-9 run and adding four Major titles to his tally. Three trophies came over the 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic, and the latest secured Sinner's place in the record books.

The Italian defeated the Serb at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, becoming the third player with victories over Djokovic on all three surfaces at Majors, joining Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the exclusive list.

Rafael Nadal started with early wins over Novak in Paris and London. The Spaniard completed the feat in the 2010 US Open final, securing a hard-court victory over the Serb and accomplishing a Career Grand Slam at 24.

Roger Federer bested Djokovic in the opening stages of their rivalry on hard courts. The Swiss delivered a memorable win over an in-form rival in the 2011 Roland Garros semi-final and completed the circle a year later in the Wimbledon semi-final. 

Thirteen years later, Jannik Sinner joined the ultimate legends following his dominant streak against the Serb. Last year, the Italian bested the Serb 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-final. 

Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2024

Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot

 

Jannik faced no break points and left Novak behind in three sets to emerge at the top. This June, they met in the Roland Garros semi-final. It was a tight battle, and the younger player prevailed 6-4, 7-5, 7-6. 

The young gun saved five of six break points and provided three breaks over the veteran to emerge at the top. The veteran missed a chance to extend the battle, giving his best but ending his run in the last four. 

A month later, they battled in the Wimbledon semi-final. This time, the Italian overpowered the Serb 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 for a place in his first Wimbledon final. Thus, Sinner completed his wins over the most accomplished player of all time on all three surfaces at Majors within a year and a half!

Jannik Sinner & Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2025

Jannik Sinner & Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Jannik has been nearly untouchable at Majors since the start of 2024, winning four titles from seven tournaments. The Italian has been the finalist at the previous four Majors, embracing a 27-1 score and writing history books. 

Sinner's consistent dominance over Djokovic on the most notable scene signals a shift in power at the top of men's tennis. Alongside Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian has conquered the previous seven Majors, establishing the new dynasty and entering the record books.

With the US Open approaching, Jannik will try to extend his brilliance at hard-court Majors.

The level of tennis has risen too high for Novak Djokovic: all the details inside

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Belgrade

Novak Djokovic's goal of winning his 25th Major title by the end of the 2025 season will not be easy to achieve, as only the US Open scheduled in New York at the end of the summer is missing. The Serbian legend has indeed raised his level in Grand Slam tournaments, where he has defeated excellent players and reached the semifinals on all occasions (in Melbourne, Paris and London), but he has not given the feeling that he can make tennis history once again.

The collective feeling is that the two current leaders of the men's tour – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – are superior to Nole at this stage of his career and it will be very tough for the former world No. 1 to beat them in a best-of-five-set match at 38 years old.

The veteran from Belgrade wants to become the oldest ever to win a Grand Slam title by uncorking the record from Ken Rosewall, but time is running out and Novak will also have to hope for some luck in New York in about a month.

Djokovic expected to return to action in Cincinnati

Djokovic is enjoying some vacation in Croatia right now and has been spotted alongside former Real Madrid footballer Luka Modric, while a few days ago he announced that he will not participate in the Toronto Masters 1000 which starts later this month.

In a recent interview with 'Gol', his former coach Goran Ivanisevic – who has just finished working with Stefanos Tsitsipas – gave his honest verdict on Nole's chances of shocking the world for the umpteenth time: “When you’re not 100 percent with Sinner… and even when you are, your chances aren’t great,” said the 2001 Wimbledon winner.

I thought Novak could do it, but unfortunately he wasn’t completely ready. Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time, but what these two are doing is another level of tennis.”

Novak's next tournament is expected to be the Cincinnati Masters 1000, where he triumphed in 2023 for the last time.

Djokovic: Reality Hit Me—But Not My Last Wimbledon

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"I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today," Novak Djokovic said after his semifinal loss. Australian Open

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, July 11, 2025
Photo credits: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty

A Jannik Sinner stinging strike dislodged a bit of baseline and snapped Novak Djokovic's head to attention.

The Grand Slam king's quest for a record-setting 25th major championship came to a brutal and painful end on Centre Court today.

Tennis Express

World No. 1 shredded Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in today's Wimbledon semifinal striking with the same powerful precision the former No. 1 Djokovic showed for so many years capturing seven Wimbledon championships.

Hobbled from a nasty fall he took in the final game against Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals, Djokovic struggled to move laterally and tried to serve-and-volley to shorten points.

Though Djokovic drilled 12 aces against no double faults, he won just 5 of 30 second-serve points and dropped serve five times as Sinner scalded returns.

Afterward, a disconsolate Djokovic conceded "reality hits me" as his body broke down against the top seed.

However, a defiant Djokovic said this was not his last dance at Wimbledon. 

"I would be sad [if it was my last match], but hopefully it's not my last match on the Centre Court," Djokovic told the media afterward. "I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I'm planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court for sure."

It's the second straight Slam where Sinner shattered Djokovic's major dream.

At Roland Garros last month, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion conquered Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) handing the owner of 100 career titles his first Slam semifinal straight sets loss in 15 years.

Today, Sinner repeated the feet as Djokovic was clearly compromised physically though he declined to discuss his injury issues.

The 38-year-old Serbian superstar said a major challenge is the wear and tear his body absorbs reaching the latter stages of Slams.

So by the time Djokovic gets to Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, he feels like a race car running on a half-empty gas tank.

"It's just age, the wear and tear of the body. As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest," a candid Djokovic said. "It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh, when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proved that this year."

The best-of-five set Slam format has proved problematic for Djokovic, one of the greatest best-of-five-set players in Open Era history, when facing two explosive champions 15 years younger.

"I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically," Djokovic said. "The longer the tournament goes, yeah, the worse the condition gets. I reach the final stages, I reach the semis of every slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz.

"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty."

Asked to assess Sunday's final (11 a.m. Eastern time, 4 p.m. London time), Djokovic, who lost to Alcaraz in the last two Wimbledon finals, gives the second-seeded Spaniard a slight edge over Sinner.

"I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favorite because of the two titles he's won here and the way he's playing and the confidence he has right now," Djokovic said. "But it's just a slight advantage 'cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it's going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah."