Novak Djokovic recently shared his admiration for Jannik Sinner, emphasizing the similarities he sees between them. This declaration comes in light of concerns among fans regarding a potential rift between the two tennis stars following comments made by Djokovic during a social media quiz.
Speaking at the prestigious Six Kings Slam event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 24-time Grand Slam champion showered praise on the 24-year-old Italian, highlighting his deep respect for Sinner’s skills and approach to the game.
When asked to identify a player who reflects his style, Djokovic unequivocally pointed to Sinner, noting their shared aggressive playing style and agility on the court. Djokovic mentioned their physical resemblance and strategic gameplay, underscoring how Sinner embodies the qualities he values in himself during his peak performance days.
Djokovic’s complimentary remarks about the potential future Wimbledon champion come after past speculations about strained relations between the two players. Earlier instances, such as Djokovic’s brief one-word descriptions of fellow competitors in an interview with GQ Magazine, had fueled perceptions of discord, with Djokovic’s response to Sinner simply being “skiing,” a reference to Sinner’s off-court hobby.
In response to the ensuing social media buzz surrounding his comments, Djokovic clarified that his mention of “skiing” in relation to Sinner was a spontaneous response in the context of a quick-fire interview. He emphasized their shared interest in skiing and reiterated his respect for Sinner’s accomplishments in tennis, dispelling any notions of intentional disrespect.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Australian Open 2025, where Djokovic and Sinner are set to compete in the Six Kings Slam exhibition, Sinner’s recent victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas has set the stage for an exciting clash. Sinner’s impressive track record against Djokovic in their previous encounters, including a win in the Wimbledon semi-final, adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming match.
The exhibition event will feature five of the world’s top-10 male players vying for supremacy over three days, with Sinner defending his title as the reigning champion. Djokovic’s last triumph over the four-time Grand Slam winner dates back to 2023, setting the stage for a compelling battle between the two talented athletes.