With a lot of coolness: This is how Sinner reacts to the mega-coup

This completely crazy evening of tennis will be remembered for a long time: Jannik Sinner crossed the last point off his to-do list at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and defeated number 1, Novak Djokovic, in an epic match. He was then knighted by his opponent.

15 November 2023

From Turin

From:
Leo Holzknecht

To illustrate how balanced the game was between these two gladiators, one statistic is enough: a total of 219 points were played, both won 109 rallies. In games like this, where the differences are so marginal, the smallest details make the difference, Djokovic knows. “He was the braver one in the important points,” said the Serb at the press conference immediately after the 7:5, 6:7, 7:6 for Sinner (click here for the match report).

“He deserved the win because I wasn't aggressive enough, determined enough at the crucial moment. I gave him the chance to take control.” He could only congratulate Sinner because he played a “fantastic” match. “I told him that at the net,” said Djokovic, showing himself to be a fair sportsman.

“He played a fantastic match.” Novak Djokovic

Sinner was extremely pleased that he could now defeat the Serb for the first time. “The fact that I was able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together here in Turin, in front of this backdrop, in this atmosphere against the number 1 in the world, who has won 24 Grand Slams, makes the success very special. “It’s right at the top,” said the South Tyrolean. “Now I have beaten number 1. I managed to do that against Alcaraz, but I look at Carlos from a different perspective because we belong to the same generation.”

Jannik Sinner was in a class of his own on Tuesday evening. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

What is particularly important for the 22-year-old is that a process can be recognized. “I said after the defeat at Wimbledon that I had grown closer to him. Today I was convinced that I would play a good match. And that’s how it happened,” Sinner said.

Djokovic in a clinch with the fans

Small detail on the side: Sinner has now won all of the last five matches against top 5 players. This year he won 15 of 10 games against top 10 players. “Every morning I get up with the goal of becoming the best version of myself. What always guided me was the goal of constantly improving,” emphasized Sinner.

Novak Djokovic gestures while spectators in the stands whistle. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

The 15.000 fans who created a football-like atmosphere in the Pala Alpitour were also a big help. Djokovic didn't like the behavior of the spectators; he kept arguing with them, gesticulating wildly. After the match, the Serb said: “That was to be expected. There is a lot of hype about him in Italy. It’s normal that the audience wanted him to win.”

“The correct technique is to close your eyes.” Jannik Sinner about his regeneration method

Despite the two wins at the start of the ATP Finals, Sinner's progression is not yet guaranteed. In the final match against Holger Rune, even winning a set might not be enough to book the semi-final ticket. “The good thing about a group stage is that you can qualify even if you lose. The bad thing is that you can be eliminated even if you win,” emphasized Sinner. Maybe it's even better that he goes onto the pitch on Thursday with a clear goal. “If I want to beat Rune, who is in good shape and feels comfortable in the hall, I have to give 100 percent of my performance.” But first he has to recover from the exhausting Djokovic match and get enough sleep. “The correct technique is to close your eyes,” Sinner said with a smile.