Former Italian tennis player and French Open winner Adriano Panatta believes that Jannik Sinner can push Novak Djokovic into retirement if he can beat him a few more times in 2024.
Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic two out of the three times they faced in the last few weeks. They faced each other twice at the Nitto ATP Finals and once at the Davis Cup.
Novak Djokovic had one of the best years of his career in 2023. With three Grand Slams, two Masters Title, and the ATP Finals he ended the season as the No.1 player. He also led Serbia to the semifinals of the 2023 Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain.
It was during the second match of the semifinal tie between Serbia and Italy when Jannik Sinner faced Novak Djokovic. Serbia was leading 1-0 and Djokovic’s win would have assured a semifinal berth.
But Sinner who had defeated him recently in the group stage of the Nitto ATP Finals was fully motivated for the match. The match was however pushed to the decider and Djokovic was standing at match point. But Sinner shocked Djokovic with an epic comeback by saving three match points and eventually winning the match which caught the attention of Adriano Panatta.
Sinner became only the fourth player to defeat the Serbian in consecutive weeks after Mikhail Youzhny, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. Sinner did not stop there and went on to win the doubles match later which not only helped Italy reach the semifinals but became the Champion later.
The 36-year-old Djokovic is in undefeatable form and only a few players have managed to win against him this season. Sinner is the one who surprised him towards the end of the season.
Adrian Panatta was all praise for the 22-year-old Sinner and said that if he can defeat him a few more times in the next season, Djokovic will be pushed into retirement.
“If Sinner were to defeat two or three more times in 2024, he would turn into the nightmare of the Belgrade champion, pushing him towards retirement.”
– Adriano Panatta in an interview
🇮🇹 Adriano Panatta believes Jannik Sinner might help push Novak Djokovic into retirement:
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 30, 2023
‘If Sinner were to defeat Djokovic two or three more times in 2024, he would turn into the nightmare of the Belgrade champion, pushing him towards retirement”
Source: Sport Italia 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GZip3BNW6y
Paris Olympics 2024 is the top priority for Jannik Sinner, says coach Darren Cahill
Jannik Sinner recently led the Italian team in the Davis Cup and helped them to lift the prestigious title after 47 years.
Italy defeated Australia in straight games in the finals of the Davis Cup. The defeated Netherlands in the quarterfinals and Serbia in the semifinal on their way to the final. Matteo Arnaldi defeated Alex Popyrin in the first match and Jannik Sinner defeated Alex De Minaur in straight sets in the second match. Sinner won all 5 matches in singles and doubles in the tournament.
Inspired by Sinner’s performance in the Davis Cup, his coach Darren Cahill has marked the Paris Olympics in “red” on the 2024 calendar.
“I would say that for the next season, his top priority is none other than the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It is an event that we have already marked in red in our calender because Jannik Sinner loves to represent Italy.”
-Darren Cahill in an interview
