Appreciate each other: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Jannik Sinner is excited for the next Djokovic duel

Jannik Sinner will meet the great Novak Djokovic for the third time in eleven days at the Davis Cup on Saturday. Some would call this bad luck, but the Sesto native speaks of an important step in his development.

25 November 2023

From: leo

For many it is an early final: the duel between Italy and Serbia in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup. The attention of the tennis world is on the match between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who only met on Sunday in the final of the ATP Finals. Even before Serbia was decided as an opponent, the Sesto native said at the press conference. “I would like to meet Djokovic for my personal development.”

Sinner's wish was granted, because Serbia defeated Great Britain on Thursday evening with 2:0. Djokovic left nothing to be desired with a 6:4, 6:4 win against Cameron Norrie (ATP 18). “It’s fantastic for the Italian and Serbian tennis fans,” said the world number one. regarding the Sinner match. “A nice rivalry is developing between us. I have a lot of respect for him. He is undoubtedly playing the tennis of his life at the moment.” The Serb had the opportunity to see a little of Sinner’s singles and doubles matches against the Netherlands. “That was impressive. He really plays at a high level.”

Who plays?

Djokovic thinks that the two games in Turin helped both of them to prepare perfectly for this match. “I know what’s coming to me. I’m not playing bad tennis at the moment either, so I think we can expect a great match.”

While this match pairing is secured, there is a big question mark behind the second singles match. On the Italian side, Lorenzo Musetti could the hapless Matteo Arnaldi replace. The use of Miomir Kecmanovic, who put Jack Draper in his place on Thursday, is also not guaranteed as he has a 0-2 record against Musetti. Laslo Djere, who won six of eight duels against Musetti, could move into the team. Clarity will only be available on Saturday, an hour before the game starts, i.e. at 11 a.m.

Italy's hope: Jannik Sinner © APA/afp / JORGE GUERRERO

If the doubles decides whether to advance, Sinner and Djokovic will face each other again because the Serbs - like the Azzurri - do not have any proven doubles specialists. The winner of the duel will face Australia in the final on Sunday, which had the upper hand against Finland 2-0 in the first semi-final.