Sinner against Djokovic: the themes, figures and report cards of today’s match

It’s Jannik Sinner’s big day, who challenges the sacred monster Djokovic in the semifinals – 23 Slams, 7 Wimbledon, 93 ATP titles, 390 weeks as number 1 -, and it’s raining on London. An annoying drizzle, in an autumn climate that in Italy many would adopt instantly – given Charon’s torrid whip – but which here will force you to play on the Center Court with the roof closed. A condition that greatly affects the game: no wind and sun, the noise of the shot that comes differently, the danger of condensation on the grass, etc. When there is a lot of humidity the ball travels slower than on sunny and dry heat days, then in these two weeks we have been accustomed by questionable choices of the organization to watching matches under the roof when it wasn’t raining outside (and maybe the sun was shining , like yesterday for the two women’s semifinals) and ‘outdoors’ when it was drizzling.

Both Sinner, who is in his first Grand Slam semifinal, and Djokovic, who is in his 46th, actually love indoors, because it reduces variables and favors tennis based on rhythm, the problem is that the Serbian champion, who aims to return to number 1 and tie the record of eight titles won here by Federer, he is at home on the Center Court. He has won the last four editions of the tournament and in particular on the most prestigious field he hasn’t lost since 2013. The bookmakers give him a clear favorite (at 1.5, while Sinner is given at 5) and even a technical report card is ahead in all respects items: starting from the serve (9 against 8 score by Sinner) shot in which Jannik pays a higher top speed (223 against 206) but lower percentages. Nole’s two-handed backhand is one of the most formidable on the circuit (10 against 9), the forehand now a very effective shot (8.5 against 7.5), the return one of the best ever in history (10 against 8). At net Djoker moves better overall (8 vs. 7), except in the smash, his real technical weakness (7 vs. 9), and also in the drop drop he has the advantage both in terms of execution and timing (8.5 versus 7.5). Tactically he is an absolute master (10 against 8.5), mentally practically unshakeable (10 against 8.5), physically a rubber man capable of any recovery and used to marathons, even if his age (36 years, against 21 of Jan) took a little bit away from him (9.5 against 8).

So, mission impossible? Nothing in tennis, on a given day, on a given court is impossible. Even the precedents are in favor of Djokovic (2-0), but last year Jannik found himself here with two sets of advantage. Most experience, knowing he can play it is certainly an extra weapon for Jannik, who on the other hand has less to lose than his opponent and will go on the field without the tension of necessarily having to win. To be able to earn a chance he will have to serve better than he has done up to now, reduce rallies as much as possible by focusing on his skills as a great striker from the baseline, seize the few opportunities that Djokovic will offer him (converting break points is not the gift better than Sinner) and always stay attached in the score. You need the match of your life, probably the perfect match, and Wimbledon is the best place to try it. Even under the roof.

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