Djokovic is six titles at Wimbledon (out of his 20 in Grand Slam) including the last three, three victories in as many finals against the host Roger Federer, a victory in the only final played against his great rival Rafael Nadal, only one final lost (in 2013 against Andy Murray), 83 matches won.

All since 2005.

Sinner is only a second participation after a defeat in the first round last year, and four matches won on grass.

But all this year at Wimbledon, with a masterpiece in the round of 16 to defeat the phenomenon of the first half of the season Carlos Alcaraz.

Italian Jannik Sinner celebrates his victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 at Wimbledon on July 3, 2022 in London Adrian DENNIS AFP

So the 20-year-old Italian, 13th in the world, does not hide it, he is full of confidence.

"Against John (Isner in the 3rd round) already, the match had been very difficult. Again today (Sunday against Alcaraz, editor's note), with a very high level of play. I hope to draw the positive from it and see what can happen in the next round!" Sinner said.

Anyone, anywhere"

"He is very confident, he thinks he can beat anyone, anywhere," Djokovic said.

As the Serbian says, Sinner has played very well in recent months on all surfaces: he has reached the second week of the last four Grand Slam tournaments, even making it to the quarters at the Australian Open (hard) and therefore on the grass at Wimbledon.

Italian Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 at Wimbledon on July 3, 2022 in London Adrian DENNIS AFP

"I think I improved in all areas of the game", including physically, notes the Italian.

“To go to the second Grand Slam week after Grand Slam, you also have to be physically strong,” he underlines.

"I see a bit of me in him, with his game from the baseline, his flat backhand, always wanting to stay closest to his baseline to put pressure on his opponent," admits the Serb.

Serbian Novak Djokovic returns the ball to his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic during the third round of Wimbledon on July 1, 2022 in London Glyn KIRK AFP/Archives

So from the top of his 35 years, including 18 of experience on the ATP circuit, the record holder of weeks spent in place of world No.1 (373), fell back to 3rd place due to special circumstances (in particular, he could not defend his 2000 points in Australia because he refuses the anti-covid vaccine, and he still loses 2000 at Wimbledon which does not distribute any points for having refused Russian and Belarusian players), is wary of his next opponent.

"Superlatives"

"I have nothing but superlatives and positive things to say about Sinner's game. We all know he's got a lot of talent. He's already an established top player. seen playing on different surfaces in recent years. He is maturing in the big tournaments. I don't feel like he feels a lot of pressure on the big courts," Djokovic said.

Alcaraz had the same feeling on Sunday during their duel on Center Court: "Jannik handled the nervousness and the pressure better than me".

Djokovic has not yet faced an opponent of his size at Wimbledon this year and he gave up a set in the first round against the South Korean Soonwoo Kwon (81st) and another in the 8th against the surprising Dutchman Tim van Rijthoven (104th ).

Serbian Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Italian Jannik Sinner after his victory at the Masters 1000 on clay in Monte-Carlo on April 14, 2021 in Monaco Valery HACHE AFP / Archives

Nevertheless, he consolidates his game game after game.

"I think I played very well, I was very solid from the baseline (...) I'm very happy with the way I finished the match," he said of his round of 16.

So will the Serb send the young wolf Sinner back to his studies?

© 2022 AFP