Novak Djokovic’s hopes of lifting a 25th Grand Slam title were thwarted by Jannik Sinner on Friday night when the world No. 1 saw him off in straight sets to reach the French Open final. Djokovic shared an emotional moment with the crowd, dropping his bags and waving to the fans in a lingering farewell before he left the court, and later admitted there was a chance it could have been his final match at Roland Garros.
While the 38-year-old still hopes to keep playing, there’s no denying that Father Time is catching up, while top players like Sinner are a step too quick for him. But Djokovic has left a huge impact on his young successors, as the Italian opened up on just how much the 24-time Major winner did for him when he was an up-and-comer.
It must have been like looking in a mirror for Djokovic in the French Open semi-final, as he was outsmarted by a 15-year-younger version of himself in Sinner, who won a tight three-setter 6-4 7-5 7-6(3) in three hours and 16 minutes.
After the match, the world No. 1 admitted that the defensive, solid game style wasn’t the only thing he had taken from Djokovic.
“[I learned] many things, because I was lucky enough to practice with him when I was very young. In Monaco, we practised a lot. Every time when I asked questions, he answered me, you know, in a very honest way,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said.
“I think it’s very nice, and people don’t see how he really is. You know, I think, you know, people from outside or people who don’t know him, they have a different picture of him. It’s not like this.
“You know, he’s a very kind person. He’s very helpful in times when you need, and I have learned many things from him.”
Djokovic lauded Sinner’s fast-paced game after losing to him in the semis, and the 23-year-old was honoured to hear the feedback from his rival.
He added: “I feel like my game style, it’s not the same, because we are different, but at times similar.
“So I have watched a lot with his videos. I was lucky that I could share the court with him, you know, some times ago in matches that you see things, how work, and if they work well or not.
“He’s very important for me as a player and also as a person. Yeah, I really appreciate his kind words, because it means that I’m most improving as a player, which as I said before, is the most important part, so yeah.”
