Darren Cahill casts doubt on Jannik Sinner’s ability to beat Novak Djokovic just hours before clash
Darren Cahill Expresses Uncertainty About Jannik Sinner’s Chances Against Novak Djokovic in French Open 2025 Semi-Final
Hours before Jannik Sinner’s highly anticipated French Open 2025 semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic on June 6, Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, voiced doubts about the world No. 1’s ability to overcome the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Speaking to Il Tennis Italiano, Cahill said, “I don’t know if what he has now is enough to beat Novak. The important thing is to take it day by day; right now, there’s nothing more challenging than facing Djokovic in the semifinals of a tournament like this.” Cahill highlighted Sinner’s need to improve anticipation, mobility to the corners, and match automatisms, especially after a three-month suspension in early 2025 for a doping violation, which limited his match play before a runner-up finish to Carlos Alcaraz in Rome.[Despite Sinner’s 4-4 head-to-head with Djokovic, including wins in three of their last four meetings (2024 Australian Open semi-finals, 2024 Shanghai Masters final, and 2023 Davis Cup), Cahill tempered expectations, noting Djokovic’s experience in 12 Roland Garros semi-finals compared to Sinner’s second. “We know him perfectly,” Cahill said of Djokovic, praising his underrated serve and ability to extend rallies, making points tough to finish. Sinner’s dominant run, with a 19-match Grand Slam win streak and no sets dropped in Paris, including a 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 rout of Alexander Bublik, contrasts with Djokovic’s grueling four-set win over Zverev, per Nine.com.au.[](https://www.nine.com.au/sport/tennis/french-open-2025-jannik-sinner-v-novak-djokovic-darren-cahill-comments-exclusive-20250606-p5m5gh.html)[](https://www.nine.com.au/sport/tennis/french-open-2025-jannik-sinner-v-novak-djokovic-darren-cahill-comments-exclusive-20250606-p5m5gh.html)
Cahill’s cautious remarks, echoed in posts on X like @tennis365com, reflect the challenge of facing a resurgent Djokovic, who regained form after early 2025 losses in Doha and Monte Carlo. While Sinner’s clay-court peak—described by analytics as his career-best at Roland Garros—gives him a 71% win probability per Stats Insider, Cahill emphasized maintaining physical and mental excellence. With Sinner aiming for his fourth major title and Djokovic chasing a record 25th, Cahill’s doubts underscore the tactical and mental battle ahead.
