“It hurts a lot, but that’s tennis”
Jannik Sinner admitted the pain of missed opportunities after his five-set semifinal loss, acknowledging that small margins and key moments ultimately decided the outcome despite a high level of play throughout the match.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Sinner reflected on the importance of the occasion, the break points that slipped away in the deciding set, and the lessons he hopes to take forward from the defeat.
Missed chances in the fifth set prove decisive
Sinner pointed to the deciding set as the moment where the match turned, highlighting several break-point opportunities that went unconverted.
“I had many chances in the fifth set,” Sinner said. “I couldn’t use them. He came up with some great shots.”
The Italian explained that while different tactical decisions were made, execution in those critical moments did not fall his way.
No single turning point in a tight battle
Asked whether there was a specific moment when the match began to slip away, Sinner rejected the idea of a single turning point.
“There was no one moment,” he said. “It was a bit of a roller coaster. It happened the way it happened today.”
He added that the level in the opening set was extremely high from both players, underlining the narrow margins throughout the contest.
Respect for Djokovic’s level and legacy
Sinner was not surprised by Novak Djokovic’s performance, emphasizing the Serbian’s record and experience on the biggest stages.
“He has won 24 Grand Slams,” Sinner said. “For many years, he’s been the greatest player.”
While acknowledging that Djokovic plays fewer tournaments now, Sinner stressed that Grand Slams remain a special motivation for the sport’s elite.
Lessons to take forward despite the disappointment
Despite the frustration of the loss, Sinner said he hopes to treat the match as a learning opportunity.
He explained that every match presents different challenges and that this encounter offered valuable insight into areas where he can improve moving forward.
Break points, serving and fine margins
Reflecting on the break points he had in the final set, Sinner credited Djokovic’s serving in crucial moments.
“Most of the time, he served very well,” Sinner said. “You also have to give him a lot of credit for how he played today.”
Sinner acknowledged that while he won more points overall, tennis is often decided by a handful of key moments rather than cumulative statistics.
Physically feeling fine despite the long battle
When asked about his physical condition after the marathon encounter, Sinner confirmed he was feeling fine physically.
He concluded by reiterating that while the loss hurts, matches of this level are part of the process at the highest level of the sport.