Novak Djokovic has revealed his main ‘concern’ heading into his Wimbledon semi-final battle with world No.1 Jannik Sinner on Friday.
Djokovic defeated Flavio Cobolli to book his spot in the last four on Wednesday as he continues his hunt for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
The 38-year-old is set for a massive test against Sinner, with the Italian having beaten the Serbian the last four times they’ve met on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic triumphed over Sinner in the 2023 Wimbledon semi-finals but it’s all changed since then with the veteran now behind in their head-to-head.
Since that clash at the All England Club two years ago, Djokovic has landed just one major trophy – at the 2023 US Open – while Sinner has won three.
There has been talk of Djokovic being on his ‘last legs’ before retirement while John McEnroe accused him of playing his ‘worst set in years’ during his win over Alex de Minaur in the last 16.
Djokovic: My greatest goal is to do well in Slams
Speaking ahead of his showdown with Sinner, who leads the head-to-head 5-4, Djokovic said his biggest concern was about his own physicality.
‘It is and it has always been my greatest goal to do well in Slams,’ Djokovic said as he looks to move past Margaret Court for the most major singles trophies in the history of the sport.
‘I’m, again, in another great position. Let’s see. Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz, we know they’re the dominant force right now in the tennis.
‘If I want to at least go step further, I have to beat the No.1 in the world and eventually play Alcaraz in the final.
‘Physically I hope that I’ll be able to sustain that. That’s more of a concern than game-wise.
‘I think game-wise, the way I’m feeling the ball when I’m fit and ready, I feel like I can go toe-to-toe with those guys and even beat them if I’m playing my best.’
Djokovic: Sinner is the best player in the world
Djokovic, who lost to Sinner in the French Open semi-finals earlier this year, feels the 23-year-old is the best tennis player on the planet right now.
‘I lost straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland-Garros,’ Djokovic added.
‘I think I played a solid match. I could have played better, but he was just better player when the moments were important.
‘So I get another opportunity. For me, this is what counts actually the most… Being in the last stages of Grand Slams and playing against the best player in the world right now.
‘Him next to Alcaraz are the leaders of the tennis today, men’s tennis.’