The first time Novak Djokovic stood up and took notice of Jannik Sinner’s burgeoning talent was on the grass of the All England Club three years ago. The Italian, then just 20, stormed to a two-set lead in their quarter-final on Centre Court. Djokovic, aware of the severity of the situation, headed to the bathroom underneath the Royal Box.
“I had a refresh, a toilet break, and a little pep talk to myself in the mirror,” he would say afterwards. “That’s the truth.” Djokovic would go on to claim victory in five, with a spectacular backhand cross-court winner leaving him flat on his chest, the money-shot moment of the match.
