Twenty Major titles separate Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner ahead of 2026. The two great rivals battled in two Major semi-finals in the season behind us, with the Italian besting the Serb in Paris and London.
The doubles legend Todd Woodbridge would love to see them in action more often in 2026. The Aussie sees it as a battle between the most accomplished player of all time and the most dangerous active player ready to chase his records.
Per Woodbridge, Djokovic would love to halt Sinner's rise and beat him on the most notable stage. That would help him extend his incredible legacy and keep the Italian challenger firmly behind.
Novak had the edge over Jannik in their opening duels. However, the San Candido native has beaten the legend in their previous five encounters since that epic duel at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals.
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Their rivalry carries an unmistakable historical echo - one that feels uncomfortably familiar for those who watched young Djokovic rise past Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
While Alcaraz stands on six Major titles at 22, Woodbridge likes Sinner's trajectory and consistency on the biggest stages. For Novak, that makes every potential meeting with Jannik more than just another match.
It becomes a statement about legacy and tennis history, the ultimate one! The Serb would love to halt the Italian's momentum and reinforce hierarchy in the season when he turns 39.
After all, Novak has lived that story before - once as the pursuer, now as the benchmark. When he began closing in on Federer and Nadal, every final carried consequences beyond a single trophy.
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Jannik now stands where Novak once did. He chases, belies and knocks repeatedly on the door of greatness. As tennis history teaches us, the door eventually opens, unless the one inside keeps finding ways to slam it shut.
Djokovic and Sinner could meet in the upcoming Australian Open semi-final. They played in the same round in 2024, with the Italian presenting a statement victory en route to his first major crown.
"I want to see Novak and Jannik battling more in 2026. It would be the fight between the most accomplished player ever and the rival who chases his numbers. Novak would love to stop Jannik from getting near him.
It's a lot like what was happening when Novak was getting close to Roger and Rafa. You could see them going, 'Oh, I hope he does not win this one.' And then he did. Jannik will try to do the same," Todd Woodbridge said.
