Novak Djokovic’s much-anticipated clash with Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam 2025 turned into a one-sided affair that few saw coming. The Serbian legend, known for his tactical brilliance and mental fortitude, entered the semifinal in Riyadh with a clear plan to extend the match and test Sinner’s endurance. However, the strategy unraveled almost instantly as the Italian dismantled Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, in just over an hour.
A plan that failed to take shape
After the defeat, Djokovic candidly reflected on his failed approach, admitting that his masterplan to push Sinner into a longer, more physical contest completely fell apart.
“I tried—at least—to have a longer match, but it became impossible against the Italian’s level,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion confessed.
The defeat marked yet another chapter in Sinner’s growing dominance over Djokovic. Once a balanced rivalry, their head-to-head record now stands at 6-4 in favor of the Italian, with Jannik Sinner having claimed victory in their last five official encounters. To make matters worse for Novak Djokovic, he has also fallen to Sinner twice in exhibition events—at the Six Kings Slam editions of 2024 and 2025.
Novak Djokovic’s light-hearted take on a crushing loss
Despite the setback, Djokovic showcased his trademark sportsmanship and humor. In front of the Riyadh crowd, he joked about the brevity of the contest:
“I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today, it’s his fault, not my fault!”
The Serbian icon went on to praise Jannik Sinner’s relentless intensity, describing how his attempts to rattle the Italian failed miserably.
“I tried to intimidate him (Sinner) in the last game at 0-15, but it didn’t work. He was like a runaway train, smacking the ball from all corners. I was just trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
Jannik Sinner’s ruthless efficiency
Statistically, the match told the story of Sinner’s precision and dominance. The world No. 5 fired 10 aces and won a staggering 82% of points on his first serve, compared to Djokovic’s modest 60%. Sinner’s aggressive baseline play yielded 27 winners, while Djokovic managed only 10, with both committing just five unforced errors each.
Djokovic keeps perspective
Even as he absorbed the sting of defeat, Djokovic maintained his trademark perspective, acknowledging both the humbling experience and his continued presence among the sport’s elite.
“Excuse my language, but it’s never nice when somebody kicks your a** like this on the court,” Djokovic admitted. “But it’s definitely amazing that I’m still being able to play at a high level, being top 10, top 5. It’s a good, good feeling.”
For Novak Djokovic, the loss serves as both a reminder of Jannik Sinner’s rapid rise and a challenge to recalibrate his approach. As for Sinner, his emphatic win over one of tennis’s greatest tacticians only strengthens his claim as the sport’s next dominant force.