Tennis fans across the world has set their sights on a rematch between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner at this year’s Australian Open semifinal and Tim Henman has suggested that it could be watershed moment in men’s game.
It is time for Djokovic to test his 33-match winning streak as he faces another challenger in form of Jannik Sinner on Rod Laver Arena on Friday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has remain undefeated since a R4 loss to Hyeon Chung in 2018, with only two players in the next 6 years managing to force five sets against the GOAT.
The legendary Serbian appears to have recovered from the illness that troubled him in the beginning of the tournament however, he had to pass a moderately tough test against Taylor Fritz in the quarters.
Sinner is touted by many to taint the streak of the 10-time Australian Open champion as he beat Djokovic in consecutive weeks during ATP Finals and Davis Cup – he guided Italy to the title at the latter. The 22-year-old is the only player in men’s draw yet to drop a set at the event.
“This is what I practise for, to play against the best players in the world,” said Sinner. “Obviously he has an incredible record here, so for me it’s a pleasure to play against him, especially in the final stages of the tournament where things are a little bit more interesting.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be tough. This, I know. I will control the controllable, which is giving 100 per cent, having the right attitude, fighting for every ball. And then we see the outcome. More than this, I cannot do. It doesn’t really matter who my opponent is.”
Sinner who entered his maiden major semifinal at Wimbledon last summer lost in straight sets to Djokovic.
For the Serbian he is very close to winning a record extending 25th Major title however, despite not an overly difficult draw this has not been one of his more straightforward paths in Melbourne, yet his desire to continue the march remains intact beyond doubt.
“I’m aware of the streak that I’m on and the amount of matches that I have won in my career on the Rod Laver Arena,” said Djokovic.
“I don’t want to let that go. The longer the streak goes, the more that kind of confidence, also expectations, build, but also the willingness to really walk the extra mile.”
Sinner’s two victories against Djokovic in the ending moments of the last season have added more fire to the cross-generation rivalry ahead of their first meeting at the Australian Open and Time Henman feels this could be the seminal moment when the King of Melbourne is dethroned.
“For me, Sinner is the most improved player in the men’s game over the last six months,” said former British No. 1 talking to Eurosport.
“He beat Djokovic in the year-end championships and he has that belief to get over the line against him.
“Best of five sets is different, but I believe he can and I’m going to call the upset.”
Djokovic is on a 33-match winning run at the Melbourne Park, but Henman’s believes the World No. 4 could very well be snapping the steak and his concerns were endorsed by the 7-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 Mats Wilander.
“I think he can do it,” said Wilander of Sinner. “They played three times, ATP Finals twice and then in the Davis Cup.
“He had a lot of time with Novak on court and to have that much concentrated time against the same player, three times in less than two weeks, the belief has to be there.”