Novak Djokovic's resurgence: Patrick Mouratoglou confident Nole can defeat Jannik Sinner in Roland Garros
ATP
Naomi Osaka's coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, asserted that Novak Djokovic is one of the few players who can defeat Jannik Sinner, and expects a tough battle in the Roland Garros semifinals. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face a formidable challenge against the world No. 1 in the day's blockbuster match at the French Open.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Djokovic was in a highly doubtful state of form. Two losses on the clay-court swing and zero wins... until he traveled to the Geneva Open. He had a good campaign there, reaching the final and winning his 100th ATP title after overcoming Hubert Hurkacz.
He quickly launched his French Open campaign, traveling to Paris and beginning a great run in the tournament. He advanced without conceding sets until the quarterfinals, where he faced his first major test against world No. 3 Alexander Zverev – the tournament's finalist in 2024. Nole came back from a set down and ultimately secured the victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Ahead of the stellar clash with Sinner in the semifinals, renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou – who has previously worked with tennis players like Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune – analyzed the 38-year-old's chances of beating the world No. 1 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
"It's Novak. It's not anyone. It's Novak. Can Novak beat him? Yes. Why? Because Novak is a beast, mentally. I've never seen anyone in the men's game that is such an incredible player in terms of mental abilities. And that he became the GOAT in terms of achievements at a time when he was playing with the two other GOATs."
"Yeah, he can beat Sinner, because we can have a transformed Novak in that match that will play a level that we did not expect. Is he far from his best level? No, but he's getting close."
Novak Djokovic reached his 13th French Open semifinals. He won three titles so far (2016, 21', 23').
The French coach, who currently works with Naomi Osaka, assured that Djokovic's performance against Zverev can clear doubts regarding the level Nole can reach against the best players, and that he is ready to play a 5-set match if necessary.
"You know, the match against Zverev was reassuring in terms of the ones who would doubt him. He beats a top-three player who was a finalist last year at Roland Garros, in the quarterfinals, in five sets. On clay, that is not his best surface. So can he even rise to another level to beat Sinner in the semifinal? Yeah, he can."
Djokovic and Sinner have a 4-4 head-to-head record so far, although the last three encounters went to Sinner. Their last match was in the Shanghai Masters Final, where the Italian beat him in straight sets. They will face off this Friday night for a spot in the final, where defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is already waiting.
Match Info:
Jannik Sinner - Novak Djokovic
Start time (local): Fri, 6 Jun, 7:00 PM
Start time (your time): Sat, 7 Jun, 1:00 AM
Court: Court Philippe Chatrier
Tournament: Roland Garros
Round: Semifinal
Head-to-Head
| Sinner | Djokovic | |
|---|---|---|
| H2H Record | ||
| Total Wins | 5 | 4 |
| Win Streak | 4 | 0 |
| Ranking | ||
| Official Ranking | 1 | 6 |
| Race Ranking | 2 | 7 |
| Live Ranking | ||
| Live Ranking | 1 | 5 (+1) |
| Live Race Ranking | 2 | 6 (+2) |
| Bios | ||
| Age | 23 (16 Aug 2001) | 38 (22 May 1987) |
| Birthplace | Innichen, South Tyrol, Italy | Belgrade, Serbia, Yugoslavia |
| Residence | Monte Carlo, Monaco | Belgrade, Serbia,Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Height | 6'3" (191cm) | 6'2" (188cm) |
| Weight | 170lbs (77kg) | 170lbs (77kg) |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 | 2003 |
| Coach | Simone Vagnozzi, Darren Cahill | Andy Murray |
| YTD W/L | 17-1 (94%) | 19-6 (76%) |
| YTD Titles | 1 | 1 |
| Career Titles | 19 | 100 (3rd in the Open Era) |
| Prize Money | US $39,389,088 - 9th all-time in earnings | US $187,086,939 - 1st all-time in earnings |
| Past Meetings | ||
|
J Sinner d N Djokovic Riyadh Exhibition -6-2 | 6-7 | 6-4 17 Oct 2024 |
||
|
J Sinner d N Djokovic ATP Shanghai - Final7-6 | 6-3 13 Oct 2024 |
||
|
J Sinner d N Djokovic Australian Open - Semifinal6-1 | 6-2 | 6-7 | 6-3 26 Jan 2024 |
||
|
J Sinner d N Djokovic Davis Cup - Semifinal6-2 | 2-6 | 7-5 25 Nov 2023 |
||
|
N Djokovic d J Sinner ATP World Tour Finals - Final6-3 | 6-3 19 Nov 2023 |
||
|
J Sinner d N Djokovic ATP World Tour Finals -7-5 | 6-7 | 7-6 14 Nov 2023 |
||
|
N Djokovic d J Sinner Wimbledon - Semifinal6-3 | 6-4 | 7-6 14 Jul 2023 |
||
|
N Djokovic d J Sinner Wimbledon - Quarterfinal5-7 | 2-6 | 6-3 | 6-2 | 6-2 5 Jul 2022 |
||
|
N Djokovic d J Sinner ATP Monte Carlo - Round of 326-4 | 6-2 14 Apr 2021 |
||
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
