Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic will add another chapter to one of tennis' most compelling rivalries when they meet in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Once defined by Djokovic's dominance, the rivalry has evolved into a closely contested battle between one of the sport's greatest champions and the player widely regarded as his successor. Sinner enters the latest meeting with a slender 6-5 advantage in their head-to-head record, reflecting how dramatically the balance has shifted over the past few seasons.
Their first encounter came at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2021, where Djokovic comfortably defeated the then 19-year-old Italian in straight sets. A year later, they met in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, with Sinner pushing Djokovic to the brink by taking a two-set lead before the Serbian produced one of his trademark comebacks to win in five sets.
Djokovic continued his dominance on grass in the 2023 Wimbledon semi-finals, advancing in straight sets to deny Sinner a place in his first Grand Slam final. However, the tide began to turn later that season.
Playing in front of his home fans at the ATP Finals in Turin, Sinner claimed his first victory over Djokovic in a thrilling group-stage encounter. Although Djokovic responded by beating him in the final to lift the title, Sinner gained another significant win weeks later in the Davis Cup semi-finals. The Italian saved three match points before defeating Djokovic and helping Italy reach the final.
Source: Sky Sports
The rivalry reached a turning point at the 2024 Australian Open. Sinner produced one of the finest performances of his career to beat Djokovic in four sets, ending the Serbian's remarkable 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and reaching his first Grand Slam final.
Sinner continued his rise by defeating Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final later that year before adding another major victory in the 2025 French Open semi-finals.
His biggest breakthrough against Djokovic on grass came at Wimbledon in 2025. After losing his previous two meetings with the Serbian at the All England Club, Sinner delivered a convincing straight-sets victory to reach his first Wimbledon final.
Just as it appeared Sinner had taken full control of the rivalry, Djokovic reminded the tennis world why he remains one of the game's greatest competitors. At the 2026 Australian Open, the Serbian recovered from two sets down to defeat Sinner in a dramatic five-set semi-final, ending a five-match losing streak against the Italian and proving he remained capable of producing his best tennis on the biggest occasions.
Now, the pair are set to meet once again on Wimbledon's Centre Court with another Grand Slam final at stake.
For Djokovic, it is another opportunity to show that experience and resilience can still overcome youth. For Sinner, it is a chance to strengthen his grip on a rivalry that has become one of the defining matchups of the modern era.
With only one match separating them in the head-to-head record, another memorable contest is expected as two of the sport's biggest stars continue their battle for supremacy.
