Defending Champion Jannik Sinner returned to the SLMM last six following a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Novak Djokovic on Thursday.
“It’s never good when someone kicks your ass like this,” Djokovic quipped during his on-court interview. “I’m sorry you can’t see the long game today – it’s his fault, not mine…
“What he has achieved in his career is amazing,” the 38-year-old Serb praised. “It’s amazing, and I see him as a real icon. To play against him is such a great honor and privilege. So, obviously I’m happy today – but I’m also happy to see him.”
The second-ranked Italian will see a familiar face on the other side of the net in Saturday’s Champions League. It will be the removal of six kings of SLMM by keeping Carlos Alcaraz, where sin won 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3.
Alcaraz booked his last straight berth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by beating Taylor Fritz with a 6-4-2 scoreline in Thursday’s opener.
“I made great, great shots today, great points,” the top Spaniard was assessed. “This is one of my main goals coming into this game, to try to pull big guns, big points for people, trying to entertain.”
