Sinner, before his duel with Djokovic: "If I want to have any chance, I need to improve my level"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 8 Jul 2026 | 10.57

Sinner, before his duel with Djokovic: "If I want to have any chance, I need to improve my level." Photo: Gettyimages

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Without playing his best tennis, yes, but he is already in the semifinals of Wimbledon 2026. Jannik Sinner is just two matches away from defending the title at the London Grand Slam, although throughout the tournament he has not been able to display that lethal and flawless version that commands so much respect. However, he has managed to overcome all his matches, the latest one against a dangerous server like Jen-Lennard Struff, and now he looks towards the rematch of the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

The world number one will have two days to prepare for his duel with the Serbian, who had to fight for five hours and five minutes to defeat Félix Auger - Aliassime in a memorable match. Regarding what awaits him in this encounter and the things he needs to improve upon, he spoke in the press conference after his victory over the German, in statements collected by Ubitennis.

Jannik Sinner spoke about Novak Djokovic before their 12th direct confrontation

Although his press conference was held before the outcome between Djokovic and Auger - Aliassime, the Italian speculated about a duel with the Serbian that ended up being confirmed: “I know I can beat him if I play well, but I also know very well that I can lose. There's pressure, yes, but I experience it very naturally. I'm happy to be on the court and give my best.”

But he was self-critical about his level: “If I want to have any chance in the semifinals, I definitely need to improve my level. I'm playing quite well and I think I play better every day,” although he also issued a warning to Djokovic: “I have quite a bit of confidence that I can do it. It's not certain that I will, but I usually like to play in the semifinals, in the crucial rounds, I like to take risks.”

The last time Djokovic and Sinner played a Grand Slam semifinal, this happened. pic.com/hmtqZfQoz8
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) July 7, 2026

Nevertheless, he did not hesitate to praise the one from Belgrade: “For me, it is incredible how he trains, how much he dedicates to himself, to his body, and the motivation he still retains. I think we can be very happy that he continues here giving his 100% and trying to win his 25th Grand Slam.”

While also taking the opportunity to boast about his career: “I still have fun; I'm 24 years old, I enjoy playing tennis, if not, I wouldn't be here. There are also things I like less, like press conferences. But I can't change it, so I'm here talking to you. Playing quarterfinals in Grand Slams seems normal, but in reality, the path is very long and tough, you have to overcome strong players. So, it's important to enjoy the moment on the court,” declared Jannik Sinner as he prepares for another battle against Novak Djokovic. The head-to-head favors the Italian, but the memory remains of Djokovic's last victory in the Australian Open semifinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner, antes de su duelo con Djokovic: "Si quiero tener alguna posibilidad necesito mejorar mi nivel"

ATP