Jannik Sinner Dominates Novak Djokovic To Reach Wimbledon Final

Adam Zagoria, ContributorFri, Jul 10, 2026·4 min read

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner didn’t leave any doubt.

The defending Wimbledon champion dominated 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, to reach his second straight Wimbledon final. Sinner, 24, improved to 7-5 against the 39-year-old Djokovic, who beat him in the Australian Open semis in January.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

On this day, Djokovic was unable to break Sinner even once.

"I was just half a step late, basically, in any shot," Djokovic said.

"It's as simple as that. He was just a level or more better than I was. I was just not sharp enough, not reactive enough, not balanced enough to play him. That's it. There's not much I could do on the court."

The Italian will face No. 2 Alexander Zverev, the Roland Garros champion, in Sunday’s final (11 a.m. ET, ESPN). The winner takes home about $4.8 million.

Sinner leads their head-to-head 10-4 and has won nine straight matches and 14 consecutive sets against the German.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

“It means a lot to me that I can play one more final here,” Sinner said on court. "It’s the most special tournament we have. It means a lot to me.

“Of course playing Novak, what he’s still showing is a true inspiration, not only for you guys but also for the new generation. What he’s still doing is amazing. Incredible.”

Sinner has now won 22 of his last 23 semifinal appearances and appears to have put his troublesome second-round exit in Paris behind him. Sinner lost early at the French Open despite leading by two sets and 5-1 in the third due to cramping.

He hasn’t lost a set since falling behind two sets to one in the first round against Miomir Kecmanović, winning 17 sets in a row.

As for Djokovic, he remains at 24 majors, tied with Margaret Court for most all-time, and seven Wimbledon crowns, one back of Roger Federer.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

The Serbian legend will have to bid for No. 25 at the U.S. Open later this summer. There are no guarantees he will play Wimbledon next year.

“It’s hard to say he’s not still the third best player in the world when healthy,” Andy Roddick said on ESPN. “He’s a part time tennis player that keeps making Grand Slam semifinals, it’s amazing.”

In the first set, Sinner struck a massive two-handed backhand winner to break for 5-4 after he hit an overhead into the net on his first break opportunity.

The Italian then closed out the first set on his serve with a forehand winner to the corner for 6-4.

In the second set, Sinner broke Djokovic with a forehand drop shot for 4-3. He closed out the set on his serve at love.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Sinner then broke Djokovic for 1-0 in the third set when the Serb netted a forehand volley on break point.

Sinner closed out the match on his serve and embraced Djokovic at net.

Djokovic received a big ovation and waived to the crowd as he walked off court.

“Of course I’m disappointed,” Djokovic said. "Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon. That's the reason why I'm still pushing myself so hard. I just lost to a better player. I have to accept it.

"Obviously a tough one. Once you're off the court, it's a tough one to kind of accept. But it is what it is. I don't.. I'm not upset with myself. I don't think I've done too much wrong. I was just a level or two worse than he is.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

"He was playing so solid from all ends. Very difficult to read his serve. Incredible weapon it's become the last couple years. And of course, he's as solid as anyone from the back of the court. That's it."

This article was originally published on Forbes.com