Jannik Sinner sent a strong message to French Open final opponent Carlos Alcaraz by beating Novak Djokovic.
Sinner defeated Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 to reach the championship match at the clay court Grand Slam for the first time.
It was one of the most physically demanding three-set matches seen at the tournament this year as both players pushed each other to their limit.
But ultimately it was the World number one who recorded his second successive victory against Djokovic and in the process Jannik Sinner set up a mouthwatering final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner says a lot of people get something wrong about Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final showdown with Sinner.
The Serbian has failed to beat the World number one since the 2023 ATP Finals and that streak continued following the 2025 French Open.
Sinner has known Djokovic for most of his career and shared some kind words about the 24-time Grand Slam champion after their semi-final in Paris and stressed what many people get wrong about him.
“I was lucky enough to practice with him when I was very young. In Monaco we practiced a lot and every time when I asked questions he answered me in a very honest way,” Sinner told reporters.
“I think it’s very nice and people don’t see how he really is. I think people from outside or people who do not know him, have a different picture of him. It’s not like this.
“He is a very kind person, he is very helpful in times when you need it. I have learned many things from him and I feel like my game time is not the same, because we are different, but at times similar.”
Jannik Sinner now leads his head-to-head rivalry with Novak Djokovic
Sinner’s victory over Djokovic at the French Open means he has now won five of the nine matches they have contested.
He has won their last four matches and as a result Sinnner has taken the lead in his head-to-head rivalry with Djokovic.
Sinner has improved his game exponentially over the past two seasons and he credited Djokovic for how he helped him to become a better player.
“So I have watched a lot of his videos, I was lucky that I could share the court with him sometimes ago in matches, and you see things. If they work well or not,” Sinner added.
“He is very important for me as a player and also as a person, so I really appreciate his kind words because it means that I am also improving as a player, which I have said before is the most important part.”
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