By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, October 17, 2025
Photo: Netflix/Riyadh
Facing up Jannik the Sinner provokes the pragmatist—and the transient fantasist—into Novak Djokovic.
Wimbledon winner Sinner defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-2 to reach the Six Kings Slam final in Riyadh against Carlos Alcaraz.
Afterwards, the outspoken Grand Slam king summed up a match of frustration simply: “It’s never good when someone kicks your ass like that on the court.”
“Look, it felt like a runaway train,” Djokovic said, facing a sharp sinner. “He was hitting the ball from all angles. I was just trying to hang in there. He was very good. I was trying to hang in there. Well done and good luck in the final.
“It’s always worth it because the love for the game and the passion for tennis is there. Pardon my language, but it’s never good when someone hits you like that on the court. It’s definitely amazing that I’m still able to play at a high level being Top 10, Top 5, it’s a good feeling.”
World No. 2 Sinner has beaten Djokovic six times in a row, including straight-sets victories in the semifinals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
The 38-year-old Serbian superstar’s last win over the two-time Australian Open champion came at the 2023 ATP Finals. Although Djokovic joked about trading bodies with a younger player, the 10-time AO champion said recent losses to Sinner and the no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz only deepened his opposition.
“Look, I’m trying my best. I have the body I have. I’m grateful for everything God has given me in my life,” Olympic gold medalist Djokovic said. “It’s been an incredible journey, a wonderful career, there’s been a lot to celebrate.
“I wish if someone could trade a younger body with me, that would be great, just for a year, so I can win against these guys.
“Jokes aside, I still have efforts. Obviously, I know it’s getting a lot harder for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos especially. But I’ll keep challenging them until it happens. Let’s see.”
