Jannik Sinner on defeating Novak Djokovic in Davis Cup SF: "Match of my life, I don't know, but it's for sure very, very important"

Jannik Sinner, after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2023 Davis Cup, said that the contest against the 24-time Grand Slam champion was a "very important" one for him.

Sinner's remarkable performances helped Italy make it to their first Davis Cup final since 1998. The 22-year-old defeated Djokovic not once, but twice in a single day.

In their singles tie, Sinner secured a hard-fought 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over the World No. 1 in two hours and 35 minutes. Building on this triumph, the Italian joined Lorenzo Sonego to defeat the pair of Novak Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic in the decisive doubles match, winning 6-3, 6-4.

Italy have thus reached their eighth Davis Cup final, where they will face off against Australia, a team that has clinched the title 28 times. Italy will be aiming to secure their second title, having previously won it in in 1976.

During the post-match press conference, Jannik Sinner was asked whether the singles match against Novak Djokovic was the most significant of his career. The World No. 4 responded that while he wouldn't label it as the match of his life, it was a "very important" one.

"Match of my life, I don't know, but it's for sure very, very important. You know, as I say, it helps a lot the last competition that it's a team competition, because you get a lot of energy from your teammates, from the whole team, and then the crowd is different," Sinner said.

Sinner also expressed his happiness at the victory over Djokovic, as it provided his team with an opportunity to compete in the deciding doubles match. Earlier in the day Miomir Kecmanovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-1 to hand the Serbian team a 1-0 lead.

"At the end of the match, I was really happy for the team to be at least able to play a deciding doubles. You know, we played really good, and I think it was a really positive day today," Sinner said.

Jannik Sinner on defeating Novak Djokovic twice in one day: "I have to be really proud about how I handle the situation"

Jannik Sinner at the 2023 Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner was also asked how he felt after defeating Novak Djokovic twice in one day. In response, he expressed that it meant a great deal to him, as both the singles and doubles matches were of utmost importance for the Italian team.

"It means a lot. Obviously before the match we were talking that it was a really important test today, you know, trying to understand what to expect before the match," Jannik Sinner said.

Sinner revealed that the team devised strategies to tackle the World No. 1 prior to the match. He then expressed satisfaction with his performance, which turned the tide in Italy's favor, ultimately leading to their victory.

"Then I think we made a good tactical moment also before the match, and then obviously playing it is a little bit different but I think I have to be really proud about how I handle the situation," he added.