Novak Djokovic was defeated by Jannik Sinner also in the semi-finals of the 'Six Kings Slam', the prestigious tournament-exhibition that is taking place in Saudi Arabia these days. Although this match is not included in the official statistics, the 24-time Grand Slam champion lost the last four matches against the young Italian ace.
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After defeating 23-year-old Sesto Pusteria in the final of last years Nitto ATP Finals, the current world number 1 has overtaken Serbian legend at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals, the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals and the Shanghai Masters 1000 final, In addition to the challenge yesterday in Saudi Arabia.
Novak played a good match yesterday despite a bad start, winning the tiebreak of the second set and having some chances in the decisive set. The two-time Grand Slam champion saved several break points and made a difference in the decisive moment, gaining access to the final where he will face his great rival Carlos Alcaraz tomorrow.
Djokovic lost to Sinner
Noles level seemed closer to that of Sinner than in Australia and China, but the Italian once again prevailed. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will now face his eternal rival Rafael Nadal in the final for third and fourth place (Nole leads 31-29 in the H2H). In a season marked by many ups and downs, the Serbian legend seems to have returned to high levels in the last part of this season. The former world number 1 - who won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer - is already thinking about next year, when he will try to win the 25th Major title of his incredible career.
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After his match against Sinner in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic wanted to thank the crowd: It was a great atmosphere, electrifying, both on the ground and in the stands. From the beginning of the match I was late, I fought my way, I managed to come back, but unfortunately for me he was very good, he played better, I had the chance to win the second set. I had a few chances in the third round as well. What I remember is that it was noisy in the stands, fun. It was a real pleasure to play here, just like last December against Alcaraz, it was still a great atmosphere.
After the 'Six Kings Slam', the 24-time Grand Slam champion is registered for the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 but his presence is uncertain. The Serbian ace should defend his title both in Bercy and at the ATP Finals, but it is not excluded that he will decide to close his season early to rest and start preparing for 2025. In addition, Novak has already announced that he will be present in Malaga to celebrate the career of Rafa Nadal. The Spanish legend will retire at the end of the Davis Cup Finals in November, ending a truly memorable career.
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In a recent interview, Nole commented on Rafas decision to retire: "Hes been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far. I mean, we knew that the moment is coming sooner than later. But its still a shock. When it came officially, also for Roger a few years ago as well, when he announced retirement.. Andy as well this year.. its a bit overwhelming for me to be honest. I dont know what to make of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them.. a big part of me. Its tough news for the tennis world, for the sports world. Rafa has been an inspiration for millions of children around the world.
Shoulder pain
During his match against Sinner in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic called a medical time-out for shoulder pain. At 37, the former world number 1 must preserve his body and it would not be a surprise if he gave up the end-of-season tournaments to recharge his energy. Speaking with Vogue before this exhibition, the legend from Belgrade reflected on the new era of mens tennis: I dont think its that black and white because if it is, I consider myself belonging to the older guard, unable to compete with the younger guys.
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Its definitely a transition, but it takes time. Its a natural process, and people have been talking about it for many years. Now we have younger guys, yes, but also we have the generation that is not the youngest: Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas. Those guys were or are all top-10; Medvedev has been No 1. Theyre going to stay up top for a while, along with the younger ones.
But I think youre thinking of Alcaraz and Sinner. Theyve developed an incredible rivalry in the last 12 months, and rivalries are what really attract a lot of attention to the sport. People that dont necessarily even follow tennis, per se, they do follow rivalries; they follow contrasts.
