Novak Djokovic, 38, continues to defy the march of time, consistently elevating his game for the biggest stages. His recent victory over Alexander Zverev at the French Open, after a period of mixed results on the ATP tour, reaffirmed his unique ability to perform at Grand Slams. This resilience, also seen in his Australian Open win against Carlos Alcaraz, highlights that Grand Slams remain his ultimate focus.
His next formidable challenge comes in the form of Jannik Sinner, who has been nothing short of sensational in Paris. Sinner’s sustained high level of play has been unmatched, as he has systematically dismantled opponents with ruthless efficiency. His aggressive and precise game forces rivals onto the back foot from the outset, often leaving them to simply celebrate individual game wins.
Sinner’s immediate impact upon returning to the Italian Open, reaching the final just weeks after a three-month doping ban, served as a stark warning. Carlos Alcaraz’s post-match comments in Rome, predicting a more dangerous Sinner in Paris, have proven prophetic, with Sinner yet to drop a set. Djokovic, understanding the magnitude of the challenge, expects Sinner to perform at his consistently high level.
Sinner’s game has no discernable flaws. His forehand is a potent weapon, his two-handed backhand is arguably the best on tour, and his serve has seen remarkable improvement. Coupled with his elite return game and vastly enhanced defensive skills, Sinner presents an all-encompassing threat. His recent three-match winning streak against Djokovic, including the pivotal 2024 Australian Open semi-final, underscores his growing dominance in their head-to-head.