Jannik Sinner may have produced one of the most ruthless performances of his career against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, but there was little to suggest he was under pressure before stepping onto Centre Court.
Hours after dismantling the seven-time Wimbledon champion 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final, Sinner revealed that his pre-match routine is surprisingly relaxed. Instead of following elaborate superstitions or rituals before one of the biggest matches of his career, the Italian said he simply spends time with his team and friends, and has lately been watching the FIFA World Cup.
Asked if he had any matchday superstitions, Sinner laughed off the suggestion.
“No, no. No superstitions. I’m very normal,” Sinner said.
“I like to spend time with my team. With my friends. World Cup is now. I think tomorrow England is playing… I like to watch football at the moment.”
The 24-year-old said he deliberately tries to stay relaxed instead of obsessing over the occasion, knowing just how difficult it is to reach the latter stages of a Grand Slam.
“I’m very relaxed. I don’t have anything I do in the same thing over and over again. I also enjoy the moment. I know how rare these days are. Grand Slam finals. Tough to achieve and to arrive. You also need to enjoy this moment and the process.”
That relaxed mindset certainly translated onto the court.
Sinner barely gave Djokovic a chance in the Wimbledon semi-final, serving brilliantly and dominating from the baseline throughout the two-hour and 20-minute contest. The Italian fired 16 aces, conceded just six points behind his first serve and did not face a break point until nearly two hours into the match.
Djokovic later admitted there was very little he could do against Sinner’s level, saying he was “half a step late” throughout the contest and that the Italian was “a level or more better” on the day.
Despite handing Djokovic one of the most one-sided defeats of his Wimbledon career, Sinner was full of admiration for the 24-time Grand Slam champion and described him as a constant source of inspiration.
“It’s so amazing to see him still producing this kind of level, and the match he played with Felix. I was watching. The level was so high.”
“He’s a true inspiration for all of us and also the younger generation… How much a good mindset can do to your body and mind as well. For me, he’s a true inspiration.”
“Seeing him around and having the honor to play against him, feeling the pressure against him… these matches hopefully can help me for the future. Every match is different and has its own story. I wouldn’t look a lot on head-to-heads. I think every match is different. I am very lucky to play against Novak.”
Sinner’s victory booked him a place in the Wimbledon final, where he will take on Alexander Zverev. If his latest pre-match routine is anything to go by, the world No. 1 is unlikely to change much before the biggest match of his fortnight, except perhaps finding another FIFA World Cup game to watch.
– Ends
