Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner paid a tribute to Novak Djokovic after ending the Serbian legend's title hopes with a commanding straight-sets victory in the 2026 Wimbledon semi-finals.
World No. 1 had one of his best performances of the season, defeating the seven-time Wimbledon champion 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court and earned his place in Sunday's final against French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
The win also helped Sinner avenge his Australian Open semi-final loss to Djokovic earlier this year and kept alive his bid to successfully defend his Wimbledon crown.
Sinner was keen to insist that Djokovic is still one of the toughest in tennis and praised the 39-year-old for playing at the highest level.
"Even when I had this small winning streak from last year, you always feel pressure before playing against Novak," Sinner said.
"This is why I practise. I like challenges. Playing against Novak in Grand Slams is different from playing in Masters events."
Sinner was particularly impressed by Djokovic's incredible endurance after the Serbian battled through a marathon five-hour, 15-minute quarter-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime—the longest Wimbledon quarter-final in history.
"It’s amazing to see him still producing this kind of level. The match he played with Felix, I was watching. The level was so high."
And the Italian said Djokovic is an inspiration not only for him but for the next generation of players.
"It's a true inspiration for all of us and the younger generation too—how much a good mindset can do for your body and mind as well."
It's an Honour to play Against Him.
Although Djokovic’s defeat ended another bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, the Serbian dismissed retirement speculation and said he intends to return to Wimbledon.
Sinner welcomed this decision, he said, and playing against one of the best players in tennis history is only going to help him grow.
"Seeing him around and having the honor to play against him, feeling the pressure against him—these matches will help me in the future."
He said that he knew he had to elevate his game to beat Djokovic.
"Mentally I knew I needed to level up. I've done it today. It helped me, I can tell you that."
"Against Novak, if you want to play even, you need to play your best tennis."
Focus Turns to Zverev
Sinner is now focusing on Sunday’s Wimbledon final against Alexander Zverev, who will be trying to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles after winning the French Open trophy earlier this year.
While Sinner has dominated the recent rivalry—winning their last nine meetings, including the 2025 Australian Open final—he believes the German is a completely different player now.
"Whatever happened in the past between me and him, it happened."
"He won a Grand Slam in Paris, which gave him a lot of confidence. We can see the level he’s producing here."
Sinner said finally winning a major has changed Zverev’s mindset.
"He worked so long and when you finally achieve it, it’s so amazing and it gives you that confidence boost. We see it again here. It shows that he’s playing amazing tennis."
Sinner is looking forward to another chapter in their rivalry but expects his toughest test of the tournament.
"I'm excited to face him. I do the best I can, we will see how it goes. But it’s going to be very tough, very different from all the other matches we have played."
With Djokovic in his corner and Zverev at the head of the line, Sinner is just one win away from winning his third Wimbledon title and his fifth Grand Slam trophy.
