Novak Djokovic highlighted the similarities he sees between himself and Jannik Sinner following his defeat to the Italian in the 2024 Shanghai Masters final.
The 37-year-old tennis legend assessed that Sinner possesses “every shot” and praised the way the world No 1 is able to suffocate opponents by taking time away.
Djokovic lost 6-7(4), 3-6 to Sinner in the Shanghai final to suffer his first defeat in a title match at the Masters 1000 tournament he has won a record four times.
Sinner’s well-rounded game, baseline excellence and dynamic movement have seen him compared to the legendary Serbian.
The 23-year-old has tied his head-to-head with Djokovic at 4-4 having won the pair’s previous three encounters and four of the last five.
In his press conference after the final, Djokovic was asked if any parts of Sinner’s game remind him of himself.
“All around, you know, every shot he’s got in the game,” Djokovic said. “He’s improved his serve tremendously, I think that became a big weapon.
“He’s just very aggressive from the baseline, as soon as he’s got a shorter ball, he’s taking the initiative. Just very solid from forehand and backhand, doesn’t make too many mistakes, and just tries to take away the time from the opponent.
“That’s something that reminds me of myself throughout my career, that’s what I’ve done for so many years consistently, you know, playing fast-paced tennis, taking away time from the opponent, kind of suffocating the opponent, if you want, in a certain way.
“That’s what you want, you want your opponents always to feel under pressure from your shots, from your speed, from your presence on the court. So he’s got that. I mean, this year he’s been so consistent, it’s really, really impressive.”
During the Shanghai trophy presentation, Djokovic congratulated Sinner and his team, which features his former fitness coach Marco Panichi and former physiotherapist Ulises Badio.
“Congratulations to Jannik. He was just too good today. Too strong. Too fast. You’re having an incredible year,” the 24-time major winner said.
“Congrats to Jannik’s team as well. Well done guys. I know a couple of guys there, familiar faces. It’s a great team.”
Sinner hired Panichi and Badio last month to replace physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, who were involved in his failed anti-doping tests.
