Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will meet in the semifinals of another Grand Slam. Sinner defeated Ben Shelton and Djokovic advanced because Lorenzo Mussetti decided to retire despite being two sets up. Djokovic will need to be his formidable self if he holds any chance against the World No. 2 in the Australian Open semifinal.
The last time Djokovic suffered a five-game losing streak against an opponent was back in 2009 when Rafael Nadal held an edge over him. Over two decades later, Sinner has become the 2009 Nadal for the 24-time Grand Slam champion as the Italian has won their last five meetings, making him just the second player in the Open Era to do so.
On Wednesday, Tennis Channel’s panel, including Lindsay Davenport and Jim Courier, discussed Djokovic’s chances against Sinner.
“Djokovic was the player who was the aggressor out there. He wasn’t able to do that against Musetti,” Davenport said. “Today, on this practice day, he’s got to figure out a way to get back ahead in those baseline exchanges. It’s very tough to do that against Sinner, but that’s his path to a final here on Sunday.”
Courier agreed with Davenport while also adding that since it will be a night match, it is right in the wheelhouse of the Italian, who won’t have to worry about heat. He revealed what Djokovic needs to do to beat Sinner.
“I don’t think there’s much to add,” Courier said. “We know that Sinner is going to play at his level, he just doesn’t come off that level. We haven’t seen him come off that level in years now. So it’s not going to be perilously warm that day; it looks like it’s going to be okay. And they’re the late match anyway, so conditions are going to be good. Novak loves to play at night, too. It’s set up for a great clash, but Novak’s going to have to play outside of his comfort zone.”
Novak Djokovic Saved By Lorenzo Mussetti’s Retirement; Chase for 25th GS Continues
Novak Djokovic didn’t play his best tennis against Italy’s Lorenzo Mussetti, who was probably on his way to defeating the Serb. With two sets up, Mussetti wasn’t feeling himself in the third set and Djokovic also broke him.
He chose to retire due to a leg injury, giving Djokovic a lifeline and an opportunity to make good on his chase for the 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic called himself “extremely lucky” to still be in the draw after Musetti’s injury stopped what could have been a loss for the Serb.
In a way, Djokovic has been lucky this time at Melbourne as he got a free pass to quarterfinal since his fourth round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew from the tournament.
Djokovic hopes he gets to the final of the Australian Open but for that he needs to beat his nemesis, Jannik Sinner.
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