Jannik Sinner triumphed once again over Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, a match that could leave lasting implications for both athletes. Their rivalry intensified just four days after their clash in the Shanghai Masters Final, and once again, Sinner emerged victorious.
Despite being classified as an exhibition event, the stakes felt remarkably high during this encounter, particularly given the substantial prize money on offer—an aspect that has sparked significant discussion in the tennis community since the event’s announcement earlier this year. Both players battled through lingering injuries from their recent tournaments, yet the quality of tennis on display before a large crowd was truly captivating.
For Djokovic, a troubling shoulder injury hampered his performance, notably impacting his serve. Sinner, on the other hand, acknowledged that he was “not at his freshest” following his rigorous journey to the China Open Final and his recent outing in Shanghai. Nonetheless, Djokovic showcased his skills, winning the second-set tiebreak 7-0, although the shoulder issue clearly played a role in his eventual loss, with the final score reading 6-2, 6-7(0), 6-4.
Reflecting on the match, Sinner stated, “We played a final in Shanghai not many days ago. We both were slightly tired and making a couple of mistakes. We all love to play here. Thanks to everyone for coming. That’s the reason why we’re here.” He continued, “I just tried to reset as fast as possible. I’m happy with how I handled the match. Let’s see what’s coming on Saturday. Hopefully, it’s gonna be a good one.”
Sinner emphasized the seriousness with which both players approached the match, saying, “All of us try to raise our level and play every point the best way we can. We take it quite seriously. I might not be as fresh as possible, but I’ll try my best. We just want to make it a good show for all of you.”
As the second set concluded, Djokovic received extensive treatment for his shoulder, clearly in discomfort as he was tended to by the tournament physiotherapist. He seemed to take painkillers in an effort to alleviate the issue, which adds another layer of concern for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, especially after dealing with physical ailments during the Shanghai tournament. In China, he had been struggling with a hip issue and expressed discomfort in his knee, but the shoulder pain in Saudi Arabia was particularly worrisome.
After a brief hiatus following his surprising exit from the US Open, Djokovic returned to action with only a quick Davis Cup match for Serbia since his loss to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin at the end of August.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face Rafael Nadal in the third-place playoff on Saturday at the Six Kings Slam. However, questions linger about whether he would have participated in the event without the significant appearance fees. The tennis world is now waiting to see if he will also compete in the upcoming Paris Masters later this month.