Asked if Jannik Sinner's game resembles his, Novak Djokovic remembered how he met the world leader: “He was weak and tall”

On Saturday, July 5, Novak Djokovic needed less than 2 hours to defeat the compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic: 6-3, 6-0, 6-4. As a result the legendary tennis He qualified for the 17th time in the “optimal” at Wimbledonshowing an excellent form.

Novak Djokovic, praise to Jannik Sinner: “It's great to see his journey”

The dominant evolutions at the London tournament also had Jannik Sinner, the number 1 in the ATP standings, which has not lost any set so far. At the press conference, Djokovic was informed about a statement by the 23-year-old player, who said he was modeling his game after the Serb.

Asked if he sees in Sinner a version of his own person or indications of a similar game, the athlete with 24 Grand Slam titles has answered affirmatively.

Yes, I see. It is obvious if we refer to the style of play we both have. There are enough similarities. We are trying to be aggressive. We attack the ball early. We dominate the exchanges on the bottom line.

I remember him when he was much younger, 13 or 14 years old, and I met him and I changed a few balls with him. He was weak and tall. Like me. He's taller than me. And I was pretty weak when I was younger.

Simply destroyed the ball. It could be seen that it has a good timing and has speed in the blow. He also uses the Head Speed ​​rocket that I use. There are some similarities.

But obviously, he is unique in his own way. The work he has done with his team in recent years is exceptional, when it comes to development. Service, movement, precision. As much as everyone speaks of the speed of his blows, his timing is incredible.

I think only the number of unforced errors he made in the early years of his career has decreased. Now he is very accurate and puts constant pressure on the opponent because he plays so quickly. I am glad that I managed, in a way, to influence him in a positive way and that I am someone he admired when it comes to the game.

He worked for a few years with Riccardo Piati, who was my coach. I have a very good relationship with him. That's how I met Jannik. Riccardo asked me to give him advice and guide him. I was telling a little. I am always happy to share information. It's extraordinary to see his trip and how good it has become. Became a dominant male tennis force

– Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon Photo: AELTC/Tony O'Brien

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner could meet in the semifinals of the Wimbledon tournament. Until then, the 38 -year -old veteran will be in “optimal” with Alex de Minaur (26 years, 11 ATP), while the world leader will play against Grigor Dimitrov (34 years, 21 ATP).