The stat that Jannik Sinner has over Wimbledon semi-final opponent Novak Djokovic - which Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz do not
Published 09/07/2026 at 18:35 GMT+1
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What is the statistical wood that Jannik Sinner holds over Novak Djokovic ahead of their Wimbledon semi-final? Huge intrigue surrounds the clash, with the winner set to face Alexander Zverev or Britain's surprise wildcard Arthur Fery.
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Video credit: SNTV
Sinner and Djokovic's growing rivalry is one that has evolved over time. As the Italian emerged onto the men's tour in 2021, Djokovic won four of their first five meetings.
However, Sinner - as part of his stunning march to the summit of the game over the last couple of years - won the next five, before Djokovic got him back at this year's Australian Open in five memorable sets.
All told, it means that Sinner currently possesses something that no other player does.
According to Opta, of the 36 players to have played over 10 matches in their career against Djokovic at ATP level, Sinner is the only man to currently hold a winning head-to-head record against the Serbian.
And that is a record - as it stands - that sees him achieve what 'Big Three' rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could not in their careers.
Carlos Alcaraz is one man who might push up his win percentage against Djokovic over time, but the Spaniard, a winner of seven majors himself at just 23, is currently injured with no specific timeframe on his return.
It is, therefore, beautifully set up for Sinner and Djokovic's latest meeting, especially as they clashed at the same stage of SW19 last year, when Sinner triumphed in straight sets.
Can the evergreen Djokovic, who looks on top form once again, outlast his younger opponent and overcome an enormous barrier to his hopes of a 25th slam?
The 39-year-old was asked how he sees the clash compared to their last head-to-head in Melbourne.
"I had a very long semi against Sinner [in Australia]," Djokovic said. "This [his win over Felix Auger-Aliassime] is quarters. Now I have to play Sinner in semis. There's difference, and a difference in the surface.
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"Obviously that was the first big tournament of the year for me, coming fresher from several months of break and preparation. It's a bit different now.
"But nevertheless, another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly.
"I still try to prove to myself and others that I'm able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them on the biggest stage.
"That's what I've done in Australia. It's what I've done here. Hopefully I can do it a few more matches here in London."
The pair are second on Centre Court on Friday, with Fery and French Open champion Zverev set to play out their last-four clash first, starting at 13:30 UK time.
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