Jannik Sinner agrees with John McEnroe about what Novak Djokovic is really like

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are gearing up for what promises to be a titanic battle in their Wimbledonsemi-final encounter this Friday. Djokovic battled past an injury concern to reach the final four after triumphing over Italian Flavio Cobolli, while Sinner grappled with elbow troubles himself during his quarter-final win over America's Ben Shelton.

Sinner may sit atop the world rankings right now but has yet to grace Wimbledon's final stage, unlike Djokovic, who eyes up equaling Roger Federer's illustrious haul of eight men's singles crowns at the All England Club. Djokovic is also on the cusp of claiming the greatest number of Grand Slam titles, currently tied with the legendary Margaret Court at 24 majors.

Yet, Sinner stands in the way, having got the better of the Serbian maestro in their last four showdowns, including their recent French Open semi-final tussle. Djokovic, despite his exceptional track record and experience, still encounters misunderstanding among the crowds at SW19, something Sinner acknowledged.

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While reflecting on his experiences with Djokovic, Sinner revealed during a press conference at the French Open: "I was lucky enough to practice with him when I was very young. In Monaco, we practised a lot, and every time I asked questions, he answered me in a very honest way.

"I think it's very nice, and people don't see how he really is. I think people from the outside, people who don't know him, they have a different picture of him. It's not like that. He's a very kind person, he's very helpful in times when you need it and I've learned many things from him."

This isn't the first time Djokovic's character has been backed by notable names in tennis. John McEnroe, himself a tennis great, has previously aligned with the seven-time Wimbledon champion, pointing out that Djokovic is frequently treated as the "villain" at SW19, despite his achievements, reports the Express.

In the tightly contested 2023 Wimbledon final, where Djokovic offered kisses to a crowd rooting for eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz, the narrative was no different, and McEnroe told Metro: "Novak has not only equalled them [Federer and Rafael Nadal] but surpassed them in overall achievements, which seemed impossible.

"Both of those guys, Rafa and Roger, they are total class acts. They are loved and respected around the world. Novak gets the unfair treatment. He's the villain, the bad guy. I think it's been unfair, honestly, because he is great for the game. On and off the court."

McEnroe also touched on the strained relationship between Djokovic and Wimbledon fans, referencing last year's match where spectators seemed to use Holger Rune's surname as a jibe against Djokovic. Yet, McEnroe maintains his support, adding: "He's like the Darth Vader compared to two of the classiest acts we've seen play tennis - Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

"Who can compare to them in terms of what they brought to the table? Nobody - and then this guy Djokovic spoils the party. So then how about respecting him after all this? He's by far the guy who's taken the worst heat and that's why I would say he's the greatest that's ever played."

Djokovic also faced criticism for allegedly sparking a row with Sinner at the Australian Open. During a word association game, Djokovic's response of "skiing" to Sinner's name was interpreted by some as a dig at the Italian's tennis prowess, a notion he dismissed as he had no intention of belittling the 23-year-old.

Yet, his admiration for Sinner was evident during their intense semi-final at Roland Garros. The Serbian legend, visibly irate with the umpire over a call while two sets down, calmed immediately when Sinner confirmed the ball was out, despite losing the point, showcasing Djokovic's sportsmanship as the match progressed.

Jelena Djokovic, wife of Novak, quipped about the duo's rivalry after it came to light that two of her husband's ex-coaches had jumped ship to Sinner. She took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek vow, stating: "I will not give in!!!"

Sinner holds the edge over Djokovic with a 5-4 record in their individual battles, yet he's cautious, recalling his loss at Wimbledon two years prior, admitting: "Me and Novak, we know us better because we played quite a lot. So we understand what's working and what's not. But yeah, I've never won against him here in Wimbledon, so it's going to be a very, very tough challenge."

As Djokovic scratched his Thursday practice owing to a niggle in his groin, he conceded there’s stiff competition ahead after taking a hit from Sinner at their previous face-off, saying: "I lost straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros. I think I played a solid match.

"I could have played better, but he was just better player when the moments were important. So I get another opportunity. Yeah, couldn't ask for a bigger challenge, for sure, for myself. I look forward to it. I'll do my best to get ready and perform my best there."