Novak Djokovic has noticed one shot which Jannik Sinner has really improved after facing him in Shanghai Masters final

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Novak Djokovic was quick to pile on the praise for Jannik Sinner after being denied a 100th ATP Tour title in the Shanghai Master’s final.

A match of fine margins saw Jannik Sinner simply do what he’s been able to do all summer.

Novak Djokovic was bidding to join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the third player to reach 100 ATP Tour level titles.

However, with Sinner’s ability to raise his level at the most opportune moments, a gutsy tie-break and an early break of serve in the second set was enough to see him to his seventh title of the year.

A fourth win over Djokovic now levels their head-to-head series and further extends Sinner’s already significant lead at the top of the rankings.

Novak Djokovic highlights much ‘improved’ Jannik Sinner shot

In a match that again adds to a growing ‘changing of the guard’ narrative, Sinner effectively did to Djokovic what he’s been doing to everyone else for years.

A clinical and focussed display of incisive, disciplined shot-making carried the Italian over the line in comprehensive fashion.

After the match, Djokovic was open about the marvellous and ultimately insurmountable level his opponent produced. He explained that Sinner had worked hard to improve one shot in his arsenal that was particularly impressive today.

“All around, you know, every shot he’s got in the game. He’s improved his serve tremendously, I think that became a big weapon,” Djokovic said of Sinner, the first Italian man to win the Shanghai Masters.

“He’s just very aggressive from the baseline, as soon as he’s got a shorter ball, he’s taking the initiative. Just very solid from forehand and backhand, doesn’t make too many mistakes, and just tries to take away the time from the opponent.”

With the performance from Sinner in many way nostalgic of Djokovic’s clinical dominance, the Serb suggested some of the Italian’s qualities reminds him of himself.

“You know, that’s something that reminds me of myself throughout my career, that’s what l’ve done for so many years consistently, you know, playing fast-paced tennis, taking away time from the opponent, kind of suffocating the opponent, if you want, in a certain way.

“That’s what you want, you want your opponents always to feel under pressure from your shots, from your speed, from your presence on the court. So he’s got that, I mean, this year he’s been so consistent, it’s really, really impressive,” Djokovic concluded.

Is Novak Djokovic fading?

While the Serb remains a dominant force in tennis, questions about whether he is fading are beginning to surface.

Fleeting appearances and no Grand Slam this year suggest that the next generation have well and truly caught up.

Injuries and the physical toll of years at the top may also be affecting his ability to keep u with the demands of the tennis calendar.

However, the 24-time major champion’s extraordinary mental toughness and ability to adapt still make him a formidable competitor – indeed Djokovic beat this year’s US Open finalist Taylor Fritz on his way to the Shanghai final.

While he may face stiffer challenges – both his own body and the new generation – it’s too early to say if he’s truly fading or simply evolving and adjusting in the twilight of his career.