Jannik Sinner has admitted his Australian Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic ‘hurt’, having missed out on another Grand Slam final with his defeat on Friday.
The world No 2 had gone into the showdown at the Rod Laver Arena as the overwhelming favourite to reign supreme.
Yet Djokovic produced a sensational performance under the lights, with the 38-year-old progressing with a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Sinner, speaking at his post-match press conference, confessed that he was crushed after seeing his hopes of glory go up in smoke.
“A lot,” he said when asked how much it hurt.
“It was a very important Slam for me, knowing also the background, it can happen, it was a good match, from both of us.
“I had many chances, couldn’t use them, so it hurts for sure.”
Jannik Sinner lost to Novak Djokovic in Friday’s Australian Open semi-final
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Sinner started the better of the pair, breaking Djokovic in the Serb’s opening serving game before closing out the set.
Yet despite Djokovic approaching the twilight years of his career, the former world No 1 was able to turn things around by playing some breathtaking tennis.
Sinner, when quizzed on when he felt the match starting to slip away, stated: “There is not one moment, to be honest.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA
“I had my chances, it was in the fifth set. Many break points, couldn’t use them, he came up with some great shots. Decided sometimes a couple of different things.
“Today they didn’t work, but that’s sometimes how tennis is.
“I mean, I felt also like the first set was a great level from both of us, so it was a bit of rollercoaster, and it did happen like it happened to day.”
Djokovic has won more majors than any other male player in history.
Yet he was still the underdog and Sinner believes there was nothing more he could have done to ensure his participation in Sunday’s showpiece event.
“He’s won 24 Grand Slams. We know each other very well, how we play,” he stated.
Carlos Alcaraz will do battle with Novak Djokovic on Sunday | REUTERS
“I’m not surprised because I feel like he’s been the greatest player for many, many years.
“Of course, he’s playing less tournaments because of his age and everything, but we also know how important Grand Slams are for me, for him, for Carlos [Alcaraz], and everyone.
“There is this small, extra motivation, and he played great tennis. Hopefully, I can take it as a lesson to see what I can improve on.”
He continued: “Most of the time, he served very well. I had my chances. I was in the rallies a couple of times, I missed my shots, and it can happen.
“That’s tennis, and that’s how tennis works.
“But also, great serving, so I give him a lot of credit for how he played today.”
