As Novak Djokovic prepared to step out on Centre Court for the most important moment of his Wimbledon fortnight, he did not have to look far for inspiration. Djokovic’s five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open this season showed that, even now, the 39-year-old could defeat the world No 1 on the sport’s biggest stages. It was the boost he needed ahead of what could be his final opportunity to win a record 25th grand slam title.
But there was one glaring problem. The memory of that night in Melbourne also burned in the back of Sinner’s mind, and the reigning Wimbledon champion ensured there would be no repeat. Instead, the Italian wound back time and fell back into the groove of what had, until January, developed into a one-sided rivalry. Sinner was relentless, producing a masterful serving performance to allow Djokovic just one break point and snuffing out any opportunities the Serbian had to find momentum. His 6-4 6-4 6-4 win also bore a striking resemblance to last year’s semi-final. “Was a good old blowout,” Djokovic smiled. “Nothing much I could do.”
