Jannik Sinner is in the final. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Final in Paris! Brilliant Sinner beats Djokovic

For years, Novak Djokovic was the undisputed king of the tennis tour. Jannik Sinner has now overtaken the Serb: On Friday, the Sexten native beat the record holder for the fourth consecutive time at the French Open, advancing to the final. Once again, the 23-year-old demonstrated the qualities that distinguish him.

June 06, 2025

Sinner had dominated and humiliated his opponents throughout the tournament. It seemed utopian to think that this pattern would continue in the semifinals—especially when he was up against the greatest tennis player of all time, who had already won this tournament three times. But that evening on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the South Tyrolean once again demonstrated why he has been the pinnacle of men's tennis for the past year and a half. He irresistibly defeated Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, and 7-6, thus advancing to the final of the French Open for the first time.

There he will now face the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who was previously had benefited from Lorenzo Musetti's resignation. The Spaniard leads the head-to-head record 7-4 and has won all of his last four matches. Sinner will do everything in his power to turn things around. The final will take place on Sunday in Paris at 15 p.m.

Strong start

From the very first rally, the grandmaster's tactics were clear: He massaged the Sextner's forehand and waited for his error. After an initial testing period, the No. 1 adjusted and began to develop his game. This consisted of well-placed, powerful groundstrokes with excellent length. This – and strong returns – helped Sinner secure his first break in the fifth game. He subsequently managed this break without any major problems, thus sealing the first set – 6:4.

Tactically skilled Djokovic knew he couldn't continue at this pace and chose an even more aggressive approach at the beginning of the second set. He put more pressure on Sinner in his service games, but he was denied a break opportunity. Unnecessary errors at crucial moments cost the Serb dearly, as at 3-3, Sinner broke his opponent's serve after previously missing a break opportunity.

But just as Simone Vagnozzi's protégé served for the first set, his serve failed him. The result: Djokovic secured his first break against Sinner since 2023. The favorite kept a cool head, remained calm, and clawed back the lost break with an outstanding return performance. He didn't let anyone take the butter off his bread a second time. After just under two hours, he secured a 2-0 set lead – 7-5.

It will be exciting

Djokovic subsequently underwent treatment for his thigh but continued playing (excellently) without any noticeable impairment. However, Sinner was there to serve when the Serb had an early break chance. Shortly afterward, Djokovic squandered two break opportunities of his own. A phase developed in which both players waited for their opponents to let up. And indeed, Sinner granted his opponent three break points at 4-5. Once again, the 23-year-old displayed nerves of steel and leveled the score at 5-5.

Jannik Sinner played brilliantly. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

The fans wanted more tennis and cheered the Serb loudly. The umpire had to repeatedly admonish the spectators and call them to order. Sinner remained unfazed. First, he secured the tiebreak, then sped off to 3-0 and 5-2. Djokovic fought with all his might to avoid defeat, but there was no way to beat this young man from Sexten! After more than three hours, he converted his second match point. Sinner looked up to the sky with relief, but didn't celebrate exuberantly – well aware that his most important match was still ahead.