Jannik Sinner produced “an amazing performance” against Novak Djokovic as he “bossed proceedings from the back of the court” during their French Open semi-final, according to Tim Henman.
World No 1 Sinner is into his third successive Grand Slam final following his successes at the 2024 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, brushing aside all-time great Djokovic in Paris as he won 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) in over three hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Italian was superb on his serve in the opening set and broke his opponent in game five, but things were a bit more even in the second set as they traded breaks midway during the set before Sinner claimed a second decisive break in game 11.
Djokovic then had three set points in game 10 of the third set, but the top seed held firm and then eased over the line in the tie-breaker.
Up next for Sinner is the final against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Tim Henman feels it will be “very special” as he also shared his views on the semi-final.
“You start off with 128 players in both draws and you get down to two and they’re the top two is very special,” he told TNT Sports.
“It was a perfect gameplay from Sinner. He was looking to boss proceedings from the back of the court, take the ball when he got the opportunities.
“Djokovic fought so hard to level things up in the second set. Djokovic definitely had his moments but the speed and dexterity of Sinner was impressive again.
“When Djokovic had set point, he was going for his shots but Sinner stayed so aggressive. He really was relentless and was getting Djokovic into the defensive positions. It was an amazing performance.”
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Former world No 1 Djokovic turned 38 on May 22 and age might well be catching up with him with his younger rivals, Sinner (23) and Alcaraz (22) at the peak of their powers.
Henman added: “Djokovic is an incredible athlete, one of the best to athletes play the game but as you get older, it gets harder. I think as the match went on Sinner would’ve been comfortable with that but I think the second set really was pivotal.”
Sinner knew he had to up his game and he certainly did that in the big match at Roland Garros.
“It’s just amazing, and I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. I’m very happy how I handled the situation, but this shows again what a role model he is for all of us and especially for us young players,” the three-time Grand Slam winner said.
“What he is doing is incredible and I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. I think we are all very lucky to see him playing such high-level tennis, it’s amazing.”
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