Jannik Sinner to face 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic after storming into 2023 Wimbledon semi-finals

Jannik Sinner & Novak Djokovic (Source: Twitter)

Jannik Sinner advanced to the 2023 Wimbledon semi-finals by defeating Roman Safiullin on Tuesday 11 July. A thrilling two-hour encounter ended 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 as Sinner sealed his first entry into a Grand Slam semi-final. The 21-year-old is now gearing up for a high-profile clash against 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic on Friday.

Russia's Safiullin made a comeback in the second set after losing the first, but Sinner maintained the physical and mental strength to win in straight sets. The World No. 8 is only the third Italian man to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon after Nicola Pietrangeli (1960) and 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini.

"It means a lot to me. We have put a lot of work in and a lot of sacrifices for this moment. It means a lot to me. It is a very nice moment for me. I just try to play my tennis and each match has its own story. I am happy to be in the semi-finals," he said after advancing to the semi-final.

"I'm looking forward to this kind of match": Sinner when asked about his semi-final match against Djokovic 

Meanwhile, when Sinner and Djokovic locked horns last time in the quarter-finals of 2022 Wimbledon, the Serbian had the last laugh. The former started strongly, but Djokovic brilliantly navigated his way back into the match and won the five-set battle. Sinner said he learned a lot from last year's campaign and is well prepared physically and mentally to face the 7-time Wimbledon champion this time around.

“I'm excited. I'm looking forward to this kind of match because in my mind I feel like I have learned many things from last year's lesson. I feel like that I have improved a lot throughout one year. Physically, mentally is a little a little bit different because I'm a top 10 player now and I'm looking forward to this," the Italian said in an interview with Eurosport.

Sinner also spoke highly about Djokovic, highlighting the World No. 2's ability to adapt to any situation. He also admitted that this will be a completely different competition compared to last year.  “I am going to watch last year’s quarter-final, knowing that it is going to be a completely different match because I am different but I feel like also he has improved."

"He is playing much better, so it's going to be a very tactical match. Let's see how the situation is going to be - if we play with the roof closed, if it's raining, if there is sun, if it's windy, all these kinds of things," Sinner added.