Paris, June 7
Jannik Sinner is hoping Novak Djokovic isn’t calling time on his career just yet, saying “tennis needs him” after defeating the Serbian great in straight sets to reach the French Open 2025 final.
The Italian beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a high-quality semifinal clash that lasted three hours and 16 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, setting up a title showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
“First of all, we hope that that’s not the case,” Sinner said in the post-match press conference. “I feel like tennis needs him. Having someone different than the younger guys… from my point of view, it’s so nice to see him in the locker room and having this energy of everything.”
Sinner, who grew up idolizing the Serbian star, was full of praise for the 37-year-old, calling him a "true role model" and reflecting on their early interactions when he first arrived on the ATP Tour.
“I saw him practising a couple of days ago. He’s very precise in everything he does. He’s a true role model for all of us. If that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this. Because it’s a part of history also. Also for me, it’s nice to be part of this. Let’s hope it’s not the case. He said ‘maybe’, so you never know,” he added.