How Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s tennis head-to-head record flipped
New York TimesJUL 11
Sinner Defeats Djokovic to Set Up Wimbledon Final vs Alcaraz
Above: Jannik Sinner celebrates defeating Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals on July 11, 2025. Image copyright: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Djokovic's age is finally catching up with him at 38, and the physical demands of best-of-five tennis are proving too much. The Serbian legend admitted feeling "half empty" going into matches against these young lions who are fit, sharp and hungry. His quest for a 25th Grand Slam title now seems in doubt, but that's just the natural cycle of sport. Father Time remains undefeated.
Narrative B
This changing of the guard represents tennis evolution at its finest. Sinner and Alcaraz have elevated the sport to new heights with their incredible athleticism and shot-making ability. These two phenoms are pushing each other to greatness, giving fans the rivalry tennis deserves for the next decade. The era of the Big Three now feels like it’s firmly in the rearview mirror.