Jannik Sinner showed his true self during his on-court interview with the BBC’s Annabel Croft, just moments after reaching the Wimbledon final for a second year in a row. He demolished Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 6-4, having done so 12 months ago en route to lifting his first SW19 title, as he sets up a blockbuster showpiece match with Alexander Zverev.
But when asked by Croft how he felt about such an achievement, Sinner immediately turned his attention to both the crowd and his opponent, rather than discussing himself. “Amazing,” he told Croft. “First of all thanks for staying, thanks for coming. The atmosphere has always been amazing since the first day. It means a lot to me that I can play one more final here. It’s the most special tournament we have and it means a lot to me.”
Before looking ahead to the final, Sinner lauded his opponent, who has become a formidable rival at both Wimbledon and across the other three Grand Slams.
“Of course playing against Novak, the level he is showing is a true inspiration,” Sinner added. “Not only for you guys but also the new generation. What he is still doing is amazing. Incredible.”
The Centre Court crowd responded with huge applause for such a humble champion, who similarly received acclaim from Djokovic as the Serb quickly made his way to a press conference.
Djokovic hailed Sinner as “the best player in the world” and insisted that there was no shame in losing to the defending champion.
“I just lost to a better player,” Djokovic said. “I have to accept it. Obviously tough one. Once you get out of the court, it’s tough one to kind of accept. But it is what it is.
“I’m not upset with myself. I don’t think I’ve done too much wrong. I was just a level or two worse than he is. I mean, he was playing so solid from all ends. I mean, serve, very difficult to read his serve, incredible weapon has become last couple years since he changed his technique. Of course, he’s as solid as anyone really from back of the court. That’s it.”
He then enthused about Sinner’s improved serve at SW19, adding: “You cannot attack his first serve. You can try to read it, chip it, block it, get it back in play.
“Very unpredictable serve, great variety, great balance, great pop. He’s using his height extremely well. Also second serve very deep in the box. A lot of rotation. He can go for speed. He doesn’t make many double-faults. He’s just super solid. He backs it up with first aggressive shot.
“If you play a shorter return, you’re, again, on your back foot. It’s really, really tough to play him, particularly when he serves.”