In the highly anticipated final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will face off against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic for the first time since their memorable encounter at the Australian Open. Sinner emerged victorious in that match, ultimately claiming his maiden major title.
Six months later, Djokovic acknowledged that he needed to improve his game to compete with the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Serbian has since showcased glimpses of his former brilliance, particularly in his triumph over Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.
Sinner has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, dropping only one set en route to the final. His exceptional serving, returning, and baseline play have been instrumental in his success. Djokovic, on the other hand, has also impressed with straight-set victories over Flavio Cobolli and Taylor Fritz.
While Sinner possesses superior movement and a more comprehensive game, Djokovic’s recent encounter with Fritz, a powerful server, could prove beneficial. Sinner’s serve is marginally better than Fritz’s, but he has not faced an opponent with Djokovic’s exceptional baseline ability in some time.
Djokovic’s motivation for this match is undeniable. With no Grand Slams remaining in the season, this is an opportunity for him to secure another 1000-level title and demonstrate his continued dominance in the sport. Additionally, a victory would mark his 100th career title, a significant milestone.
While Sinner remains a formidable opponent, Djokovic’s experience, determination, and recent form suggest that he has a strong chance of winning at least one set.
