Jannik Sinner edges Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh

Four days after their Shanghai Masters 1000 final, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic battled in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam. Two great rivals played an entertaining clash in Riyadh, with Sinner prevailing 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 in just under two and a half hours.

Jannik lost serve three times and converted six of 14 break chances, stealing Novak’s serve three times in the decider to advance into the title clash. The Italian will face the Spaniard in the final, with Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal battling in the second semi-final.

Jannik served well in the opening set, defending the second serve superbly and keeping the pressure on the other side. Novak could not match the rival’s level, playing against four break points and losing serve two times to find himself behind in under half an hour.

The Italian grabbed the first game of the encounter with a backhand crosscourt winner and made a push on the return in the next one.

Djokovic faced three break points after netting a backhand and missed a routine forehand on the third to experience a break and push his rival in front.

Jannik held at love in the third game with a service winner and mirrored that two games later to forge a 4-1 advantage. Novak served well in games four and six, remaining within one break deficit but failing to erase it. Sinner trailed 30-0 on serve in the seventh game but kept his composure, landing a forehand winner at 30-30 and closing the game with a kick serve for a 5-2 lead.

The 24-time Major champion served to stay in the set in the eighth game and hit a forced error to offer his opponent two set points. The Serb netted a routine backhand on the first, allowing the Italian to wrap up the opener 6-2 in no time.

Despite a flawless performance, Jannik showed signs of physical discomfort, and they increased at the beginning of the second set, with world no. 1 limping between points.