Nick Kyrgios drops unfiltered verdict on Novak Djokovic’s Chances vs Jannik Sinner at French Open

Nick Kyrgios never shies away from tough questions. When asked whether Novak Djokovic has a chance against Jannik Sinner in the French Open semi-finals, he did not hold back.

“I think he can, but I think Sinner will be a heavy favourite. Sinner is a monster, man,” Kyrgios said during an Instagram Live, summing up the mood ahead of one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.

Djokovic, 38, is eyeing a historic 25th Grand Slam title after a gutsy four-set win over Alexander Zverev under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier. However Friday’s showdown against world No. 1 Sinner could prove to be his biggest challenge yet.

The two have already faced off on one of the sport’s grandest stages. At the 2024 Australian Open semi-final, Sinner handed Djokovic a rare defeat in Melbourne, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 and ending his unbeaten streak there dating back to 2018. That performance not only marked a turning point in Sinner’s career but also signalled a possible power shift at the top of men’s tennis.

Having shared the court with both Djokovic and Sinner, Kyrgios brings a unique perspective. He recalled his own encounter with Sinner at the 2022 Miami Open, where he was struck not just by the Italian’s precision, but by his raw power.

The former Wimbledon finalist said: “I played everyone pretty much and in the warm up when you are just hitting you can feel the energy off their racket, you can feel how hard they hit the ball.".

“With Sinner I was warming up and I was like what’s all the fuss about this kid? Then I was hitting and I could feel it off my racket. I was like this guy has got serious power. I think he is a monster.”.

Sinner won that match in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, and has not stopped climbing since.

Now, with a spot in the French Open final on the line, Djokovic will need every ounce of experience and resilience to overcome the sport’s most in-form player.

The two have met nine times on the ATP Tour, with Sinner leading 5-4 overall. Sinner has won though the last four meetings with his latest victory being the Riyadh exhibition which he took with a score of 6-2, 6-7(0),6-4.

One thing is certain: if Kyrgios’ instincts are anything to go by, Roland Garros fans are in for a semi-final of the highest order.