Novak Djokovic offered high praise for Jannik Sinner ahead of their anticipated showdown at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. The 24-time Major winner drew striking parallels between the Italian's game and his own peak years.
The veteran, who has witnessed Sinner's rapid rise in recent years firsthand,acknowledged how the young star combines precision, movement and tactical intelligence in a way that reminds him of his own dominance.
Novak highlighted Jannik's balance of power and control, noting how lean build and exceptional court coverage allow him to strike with full commitment while staying grounded in structure and strategy.
For the 38-year-old, the resemblance goes beyond technique - it's also about discipline and the constant pursuit of improvement that defines a champion's mindset.
The San Candido native is chasing those improvements after his most recent loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final. He feels eager to match his greatest rival and regain the ATP throne in 2026.
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While struggling against Alcaraz, Sinner has enjoyed some memorable victories over Djokovic, besting the greatest player of all time in their previous five duels, including this year's two Major encounters in Paris and London.
Djokovic's recognition of Sinner's qualities is both a testament to the Italian's growth and a subtle reflection of how the sport continues to evolve through its successors.
On Thursday, Riyadh sets the stage for another chapter in their rivalry - one where admiration and competition coexist. For Novak, watching Jannik ascend feels a little like looking into the past and seeing the young gun who challenges the world's best players.
"Jannik is similar to me - it's obvious. He tries to smack the ball as hard as he can. He is skinny like me and moves well. He plays the game to perfection in terms of strategy and tries to be an all-around player with every shot in his arsenal.
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That resembles me from my best days," Novak Djokovic said.
