“People have the wrong picture of him” Jannik Sinner shares heartfelt words about Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner lauded Novak Djokovic for the help he provided when Sinner was younger, recalling the constant training sessions he had with Nole before becoming one of the protagonists of the Tour. The 23-year-old player acknowledged that he learned a lot from the Serbian, who did not hesitate to offer him advice numerous times throughout the years.

The world No. 1 comes off a remarkable victory against Djokovic in the Roland Garros semifinals and is preparing to dispute the title against Carlos Alcaraz for the second consecutive tournament – after falling in the Rome Open final three weeks ago. The Italian swept Djokovic in straight sets, closing perhaps his best performance since returning to the courts, with a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) win.

After securing the victory, Sinner had words of praise for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, mentioning that people who don't know him have 'a different picture of him', and recalling the advice the 38-year-old star gave him. "I was lucky enough to practice with him when I was very young. In Monaco we practiced a lot and every time when I asked questions he answered me in a very honest way," Sinner told reporters.

"I think it’s very nice and people don’t see how he really is. I think people from outside or people who do not know him, have a different picture of him. It’s not like this," the three-time Grand Slam champion added. "He is a very kind person, he is very helpful in times when you need it. I have learned many things from him and I feel like my game time is not the same, because we are different, but at times similar."

Sinner has won four consecutive matches against Djokovic, with his last defeat coming in the ATP Finals. After that, he defeated him in the Davis Cup 2023, Australian Open, and Shanghai Masters 2024, and finally at the French Open this Friday, June 6. "I have watched a lot of his videos," Sinner added. "I was lucky that I could share the court with him sometimes ago in matches, and you see things. If they work well or not."

"He is very important for me as a player and also as a person, so I really appreciate his kind words because it means that I am also improving as a player, which I have said before is the most important part."

Sinner will return to the court against Carlos Alcaraz this Sunday in a dream final between the world No. 1 and world No. 2. Alcaraz is the defending champion and has a remarkable 21-1 record in this clay-court swing, in addition to 13 consecutive wins at Roland Garros. The Spaniard leads the head-to-head against Sinner 7-4, having won their last four direct encounters.