Wimbledon 2023: Exclusive: Jannik Sinner expects ‘completely different’ Novak Djokovic test in semis

Jannik Sinner plans to re-watch last year’s epic Wimbledon battle with Novak Djokovic ahead of their semi-final meeting but insists he is a different” player one year on while speaking exclusively to Eurosport’s Barbara Schett.

The pair’s quarter-final clash was one of the highlights of the men’s draw in 2022, as Sinner took the first two sets before a roaring comeback from the top seed where he won in five.

The Italian will have a chance to gain revenge on Friday when he faces the defending champion for a place in the final at the All England Club – and he hopes to learn from last year’s heartbreak.

“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,” Sinner told Eurosport.

“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. I’m very happy that I can face him again.”

Sinner has risen to No. 8 in the world this year, but the 21-year-old is breaking new ground at Wimbledon after reaching a career-first Grand Slam semi-final.

“It means a lot, many hours of work on the court and sacrifices, and it feels good,” Sinner said.

“In the other way, the tournament is not finished. I’m happy, I’m pleased that I can play my first semi-final here in this special court against a very special player.

“I’m looking forward to and hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”

The youngster’s lack of experience stands in sharp contrast to his opponent, a 23-time Slam winner who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title.

But Sinner feels he has improved a variety of weaknesses in his game over the last 12 months to put himself in a much better position to surprise the decorated Serbian.

“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,” Sinner said.

“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.

“It is also mentally different and I’m looking forward to this.

On where he’s improved, Sinner said: “I feel that I’m serving better at the moment and also the confidence level is higher.

“Now, when I go to the net, I know that I have a decent volleys, one year ago was a little bit, so-so.

“Also, if I have to mix up the game, I can make drop shots, I can slice the ball if I have to.

“I feel that I have improved for sure, [there is] still a lot of improvement I have to make, but it’s exciting that I can show it here in the semi-final.”

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