Tim Henman comments on the ‘gameplan’ Jannik Sinner had to beat Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros

Follow us on Google Discover

Jannik Sinner was looking to advance to his first career French Open final with a win over Novak Djokovic.

The 23-year-old has been near-perfect in Paris, easing through to the semi-finals of Roland Garros without dropping a set.

Standing between Sinner and a place in the final was 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who hadn’t lost a match in Paris since 2022.

Producing another commanding display, Sinner beat Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 to book his place in Sunday’s championship match.

After the match, a former ATP star gave his verdict on the game plan Sinner used to secure the win.

Tim Henman says Jannik Sinner was prepared for long rallies and suggests they were part of the ‘game plan’

Speaking to TNT Sports, former world number four Tim Henman shared his thoughts on Sinner’s impressive semi-final win.

“[Novak] Djokovic fought so hard to try and level things up in the second set. Djokovic definitely had his moments, but the speed and dexterity of [Jannik] Sinner was impressive again,” he said.

“When Djokovic had set points, he was still going for his shots, but Sinner stayed so aggressive, he was relentless. It was an amazing performance.”

Henman reflected on the physicality of the match, suggesting Sinner was ready for a war.

“I don’t think this match was won or lost because of the physicality, but when you see the scoreline, three straight sets and it was close to three hours 20 minutes, that emphasises how close the sets were, how close the games were and how long the rallies were,” he said.

“Sinner, I think was absolutely prepared for that and that was part of his game plan, because Djokovic is an incredible athlete, one of the best athletes that have played the game, but as you get older, it gets harder.

“So I think as the match went on Sinner would’ve been comfortable with that, however the second set I really think was pivotal.”

The match was Sinners’ longest of the tournament, converting his second match point after 3hr 16 minutes.

The Italian may well have been glad to rack up some more time on court as he prepares for his toughest test yet in the final.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz resume their rivalry in the French Open final

Not long after their previous meeting, Sinner and Alcaraz are set to face off on the clay once more.

Last time out, it was Alcaraz who got the win, beating Sinner in straight sets in the final of the Italian Open.

The win was the Spaniard’s fourth in a row against the world number one, extending his head-to-head lead over Sinner.

Sinner has been dominant on the ATP Tour over the past 12-18 months against everyone but Alcaraz, as he continues to falter against the 22-year-old.

Alcaraz can take even more confidence from their 2024 French Open clash, where he fought back in a five-set classic to reach the final in Paris.

Perhaps Sinner will have learned from his recent defeats to Alcaraz and cook up a game plan worthy of beating his greatest rival.

Only time will tell who will emerge victorious when Sinner and Alcaraz take to Court Philippe Chatrier in search of French Open glory on Sunday, June 8.