 "Novak Djokovic breaks tradition, apologises to fans in X-rated interview after Sinner loss: ‘It’s his fault’")
Novak Djokovic apologised to the tennis fans in an X-rated post-match comments after Jannik Sinner demolished the Serbian star in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam on Thursday. The Six Kings Slam match lasted just 63 minutes as Italian tennis prodigy Sinner won 6-4, 6-2, pulling off 10 aces.
Sinner will now face Carlos Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam on Saturday for the $4.5 million prize money. Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2 in his respective semi-final. Alcaraz was beaten in the final last year by Sinner.
Djokovic, who will face Fritz in the third-place match, broke tennis tradition on Thursday after his defeat to Sinner as he spoke on the court after his exit. Generally, in tennis, only the winner is given a chance to give the on-court interview, but the exhibition tournament organisers made an exception for the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
Djokovic breaks tradition, apologises to fans after Sinner loss
The 38-year-old Djokovic used that opportunity to apologise to the fans as he admitted to Sinner being too good for him. “I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today," Djokovic said. “It’s his [Sinner’s] fault. Not my fault. I tried to intimidate him a bit in that last game with the 0-15 point but it didn’t work. It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. He was just too good. Well done to him and good luck in the finals.
“I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today. It’s his fault, not my fault. … It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. I was just trying to hang in there.”
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Novak Djokovic showing love to Jannik Sinner ❤️ #SixKingsSlam pic.twitter.com/qcStnxkWXx
“It’s always worth it [competing against Sinner and Alcaraz]. The love for the game and the passion for tennis is there. Excuse my language but it’s never nice when someone kicks your a** like this on the court. But it definitely is amazing that I’m still able to play at a high level.
“Being top five, top 10, it’s a good feeling. I’m trying my best. I have the body that I have. I’m grateful for everything god has granted me in my life. It’s been an incredible journey. There is so much to celebrate.
“I would like if someone could trade a younger body with me. Just for a year so I can try to win against these guys. That would be nice. Jokes aside, I still have the drive. I know it’s becoming much more difficult for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos. I’m gonna keep on challenging them until it happens.”
Sinner was full of praise for Djokovic in his post-match address as he labelled the senior tennis player as the “real idol.”
“I think he said everything,” Sinner said. “Such a great role model for the younger generation. Seeing him competing, practising, and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible. I see him as a real idol.
“To play against him is a huge honour and privilege. I’m happy about today but I’m also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around.”
Djokovic, who is 14 years older than Sinner, will now focus on having a strong finish to the season, but as of now, he has only committed to playing in the ATP 250 event in Athens.
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