Djokovic: “He is the leader of the new generation”

After the 3-set victory (6:3, 6:4 and 7:6) over South Tyrolean Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of Wimbledon Novak Djokovic had a smile on his lips. Who could blame him, because the Serb reached his 35th Grand Slam final and is currently playing great tennis: “I think I'm playing my best tennis at the moment. This is an individual sport and you have to trust yourself and always be well prepared. I’m currently doing that very well.”

Of course, the lady in the winner's interview couldn't resist asking about the new generation and Djokovic's age, but the Serb doesn't see a problem there: "I try not to see age as a deciding factor, 36 is the new 26," he smiled Record Grand Slam winner. “I am very motivated and inspired to achieve my best. This sport has given me so much and I want to give something back and play as much tennis as I can.” “36 is the new 26.” Novak Djokovic Regarding his semi-final opponent, Djokovic only had positive words: “Semi-finals are always close matches. The result doesn't quite show how close it really was. Jannik could have won the third set, he missed a few chances and gave me the tiebreak,” said the 36-year-old. “He has shown that he is the leader of the new generation.”

Novak Djokovic during the winner's interview. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

However, the Serb had someone else to criticize. At the start of the second set, referee Richard Haigh deducted a point from the 36-year-old after Djokovic appeared to moan too loudly and for too long in the middle of a rally. Haigh interpreted Djokovic's action as unsportsmanlike behavior and disruption of Sinner, which Djokovic could not understand at all. “Something like this has never happened to me in my long career. Maybe it was an echo from the roof. I think the decision was wrong.”

“Nole” didn’t let that bother him and beat Sinner in three sets. He looked calmly towards the final: “I will now rest and watch the second semi-final. I will enjoy the match on my massage table”. This took place between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev took place, which the Spaniard won confidently.

Sinner wants to learn from it On the other side of the net, Sinner struggled with the missed opportunity, but still saw the defeat as a way to improve: “I tried and had a few opportunities, but didn't take advantage of them. I want to understand this match and try to improve. I feel like I was closer to him. My level was higher and I think that’s a positive factor.”

“I had a chance at the start of the match, break points in the second, set points in the third. Yes, I think I got closer to him this year, even though we played three sets and not five. I knew it would be a tough match, but that's what we're playing for, right? And then the first semi-final is never easy. I think I did well, even if I made a little mistake in the crucial moments." “I think I did well.” Jannik Sinner For Jannik Sinner, the adventure at Wimbledon is over, but after the semi-final defeat against one of the best players of all time, disappointment will soon give way to pride in his achievements. It is now important to take this experience with us into the next tournaments.

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Djokovic: “He is the leader of the new generation”

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