Novak Djokovic says why he thinks he lost to Jannik Sinner in their Six Kings Slam semi-final match
Sinner beat Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final, before dealing further misery on the Serbian in Saudi Arabia.
Djokovic admitted Sinner deserved to win in Shanghai, with the Italian coming out on top 7-6(7-4), 6-3 to secure a seventh title of the season.
The Serbian had been chasing a 100th tour-level title, but that wait must now go on after that loss to Sinner in China.
He certainly pushed the world number one harder in Riyadh, where the Italian beat Djokovic 6-2, 6-7(0-7), 6-4.
Novak Djokovic says why he thinks he lost to Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam
But the 24-time Grand Slam champion still ultimately fell short, and again conceded that Sinner is simply too strong at this moment in time.
Asked how he saw Sinner’s performance in his Six Kings Slam press conference, Djokovic responded: “Better than me! Simple as that. He is playing on a very high level the entire year. He is the best in the world for a reason.
“I think I gave him a run for his money today, I tried to fight which I did and tried to come back, which I did but he was just better in important moments.”
What is Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record vs Jannik Sinner?
Djokovic had been getting the better of Sinner during the early stages of the latter’s career, but the tides have really turned in recent times.
With the Six Kings Slam unaffiliated with the ATP Tour, no ranking points are on offer, with player head-to-head records also unaffected.
Djokovic will, therefore, be grateful that his impressive record with Sinner remains intact, with their head-to-head sitting at four wins apiece.
Not many players can boast such a record against the Italian, although at the same time, perhaps even fewer have managed the success that Sinner has against Djokovic.
But for the time being, the Serbian will be glad to see the back of the world number one, with old nemesis Rafael Nadal up next for him on the court.
Djokovic will meet his fellow legend in the Six Kings Slam third-place playoff, with new rivals Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz meeting in the final.
