Novak Djokovic is set for a headline-inducing Wimbledon semi-final against world number one Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic is searching for an elusive 25th Grand Slam title, which would take him one clear of Margaret Court’s 24.
However, a formidable opponent stands in his way at the Wimbledon semi-final stage, three-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner.
Recent history suggests that Djokovic may struggle against the Italian world number one. The Serbian star has not beaten Sinner in their last four meetings.
Djokovic has managed to battle through the first five rounds at SW19, beating the likes of Alex de Minaur and the in-form Flavio Cobolli. However, he faces a different proposition in Sinner, who beat 38-year-old Djokovic in the 2025 French Open quarter-finals.
One journalist suggested Djokovic may consider his future in tennis after playing Sinner, who comfortably beat Ben Shelton in his quarter-final match.
David Law says a bad loss to Jannik Sinner could make Novak Djokovic ‘wonder’ about his future in tennis
Speaking on The Tennis Podcast after the end of Wednesday’s play at SW19, journalist David Law noted that a bad loss to Jannik Sinner has the potential to ‘rattle’ Djokovic and make him consider his future in tennis.
He said: “I think he (Djokovic) can beat him (Sinner). I mean, I don’t think Djokovic is playing as well as Sinner at the moment. I think it’s not far away though.
“I feel like it’s a bit like when you’re watching Alcaraz and you’re reading things into rounds that don’t matter as much. This is not the level that he’s needing to find to win matches. I think we’re going to see that on Friday.
“I fully expect Sinner to rise to it. I think it could be an all-timer. I think it could go on for five hours.”
Catherine Whitaker, who co-hosts the podcast with Law and Matt Roberts, said: “This is what Novak Djokovic is playing for, isn’t it?
“Not just generally at slams, this one. This match, here in the semi-finals and then obviously if he wins it it’ll be Sunday against hopefully Taylor Fritz for him.
“But this one, even more than the other three – there are four tournaments he cares about, five every four years and this one he cares about more than any of the others.
“The ‘momentousness’ of Friday for Novak Djokovic can’t be understated I don’t think.”
Law replied: “Because if he were to take a ‘shlacking’ when he’s fully fit on Wimbledon Centre Court I think that could really rattle him and make him wonder whether he wants to do this anymore.”
Whitaker asked Law: “Do you think there’s a risk of that?”
To the question, Law replied: “There’s got to be a risk of it but I don’t expect that to happen.”
Novak Djokovic pays respect to Flavio Cobolli after their Wimbledon quarter-final match
Flavio Cobolli’s idolisation of Novak Djokovic is no longer an unknown quantity, and his more senior opponent was quick to pay his respects to the blossoming young star following his victory on Wednesday.
Cobolli, who recently said he ‘deserved’ a fifth set against Djokovic, was downed 7-6 2-6 5-7 4-6.
On X [Twitter] Djokovic said: “Huge respect to Flavio – great player, great future.
“As for me? Not done yet. Semifinals, idemooo…”
Djokovic is scheduled to face Jannik Sinner on Centre Court at 3:10pm on Friday.
