Jannik Sinner toppled Novak Djokovic in both meetings in 2024, beating the legend en route to notable titles at the Australian Open and Shanghai Masters. Two great rivals embraced six sets, and one striking fact highlights Jannik's incredible performance. The Italian did not face a break point against the greatest returner ever in 30 service games in those two matches, keeping the pressure on the Serb and emerging at the top. Improving all the elements of his game, Jannik became an obstacle for every rival on the Tour, including Novak. Sinner is 4-1 against the greatest player of all time since last year's Davis Cup Finals, including two impressive performances in 2024 that led him toward notable milestones.
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The numbers behind Sinner's success vs. Djokovic
If we analyze Jannik's 30 service games against Novak in 2024, we will notice only five holds at love. The Italian added 12 more holds at 15 and dropped at least two points in 13. It would usually give Djokovic a breathing space and a chance to impose his strokes and create opportunities. However, Sinner kept his composure and produced 11 holds at 30 and two successful service games after rare deuces, keeping the 24-time Major winner away from chances for such an extended number of games.
Jannik's Australian Open masterclass
After three matches at the end of 2023, Sinner and Djokovic met in the Australian Open semi-final at the beginning of the current season. The young gun ousted the ten-time champion 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, ending the veteran's streak at his favorite Major. Jannik outplayed Novak in every department and produced a rare feat. Namely, Djokovic did not create a break chance in completed matches at Majors for the first time in his career, blasting his performance and ending his Melbourne streak at 33 wins. Sinner made a flying start, wrapping up the opening two sets in no time and gaining a massive boost. The Serb raised his level in the third set, fending off a match point in the tie break and stealing it to extend the battle. However, the Italian made a fresh start in the fourth set, sealing the deal in style and moving into his first Major final.
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Jannik outplayed the legend in the shortest rallies, attacking first and taming his strokes nicely while welcoming over 50 unforced mistakes from his rival. Sinner had the upper hand in the opening two sets, dropping ten points in his games and securing four breaks for a massive advantage after 73 minutes! Novak served at 75% in the second set and denied the only break point, staying in touch and fending off a match point in the tie break with a forced error. The veteran stole the breaker and extended his chances. Believing in his shots, Jannik defended his second serve nicely in the fourth set and generated four break points. He bounced back from 0-40 in the fourth game and delivered a crucial break that sent him in front. The Italian closed the next one after deuces and produced two fine holds, cracking a forehand down the line winner at 5-3 to celebrate his career-best victory.
Sinner extends his serving streak vs. Djokovic in Shanghai
After 19 holds against Novak in Melbourne, Jannik mirrored that in the Shanghai final a couple of weeks ago. He bested Novak 7-6, 6-3 en route to his fourth Masters 1000 title, extending his streak against the Serb. Sinner faced no break points, delivering a single break in the second set and scoring his fourth win over Djokovic in the previous five duels. It was a tight battle, with world no. 1 taking five points more than the four-time champion. Novak stayed in touch in the opening set, reaching a tie break but spraying errors that would cost him dearly. Jannik welcomed one loose service game from the 24-time Major winner, which carried him over the top following a flawless performance on serve. Sinner attacked first, trusting his shots and landing 22 winners and 17 unforced errors.
He reduced Djokovic to a 12-18 ratio and kept the points on his racquet. Novak followed the rival's pace from the baseline but lost the ground at the net, spraying errors in the pivotal moments and taking only 50% of the points. They stayed neck and neck in service winners, and Jannik took charge in the shortest range up to four strokes, playing valiant tennis and earning the victory. There were no break chances or deuces in the opening set, with 12 comfortable holds and a tie break. Jannik maintained his focus and delivered three mini-breaks, firing a service winner at 6-4 and clinching the opener in 56 minutes. The Italian forged a 40-15 advantage in all five service games in the second set, bringing them home and keeping the pressure on the Serb. Novak rushed to the net in the fourth game of the second set, spraying errors and getting broken to find himself a set and a break behind. Sinner served well and sealed the deal with a powerful serve at 5-3, delivering his 30th hold in a row against Djokovic this year and lifting the trophy.
