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The 2025 French Open has delivered top-tier tennis from start to finish, and today’s semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner promises to be the crown jewel of the tournament so far. With a spot in the final on the line, the two players, one a legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, the other the sport’s current top-ranked star who has won three of the last five slams, are set to collide in a match that has all the makings of a classic.
Let’s break it down.
After a shaky start to the 2025 season, few would have predicted Novak Djokovic reaching another Roland-Garros semifinal. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past two decades, it’s never to count out the Serbian legend when the lights shine brightest.
Djokovic entered Paris with just one ATP title in the last 18 months, having endured early exits in Masters 1000 events and even parting ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanišević. Yet, since Nadal retired, these courts have seemed to bring out the best in the 38-year-old.
His latest win was a four-set triumph over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, was a vintage Djokovic performance. He out-aced the big-serving German, produced more winners and dominated at the net, winning 27 of 37 approaches. He saved break points and closed out a brutal 34-shot rally with a forehand pass.
Djokovic’s serve was sharp: 71% first-serve percentage and just one break across four sets. He’s now on a 22-match winning streak at Roland-Garros, which includes his gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He’s lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires three times (2016, 2021, 2023) and finished runner-up four times. This stage and surface is no stranger to him.
If Djokovic is tennis royalty, Sinner is the prince rapidly claiming the throne.
The 23-year-old Italian enters Friday’s semifinal without dropping a set at this year’s French Open. Three sets were 6-0, and three more were 6-1. His win over Alexander Bublik in the quarters was surgical. Sinner struck 31 winners to just 13 unforced errors and wasn’t broken once, despite landing just 56% of first serves.
His 2025 resume is astounding: 17-1 overall, 10-1 on clay. The only blemish is a loss to #2 Carlos Alcaraz, who faces fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the other semi. And at the majors, Sinner is on a 19-match win streak dating back to last season, including titles at the Australian Open (twice) and the US Open.
This is only his second French Open semifinal, but his confidence is rooted in recent results against Djokovic.
The two are tied 4-4 in their head-to-head, but Sinner has won three of the last four, including the pivotal Davis Cup match last year that helped deliver Italy its first title in 47 years. Their lone clay meeting was in 2021 in Monte Carlo when Djokovic cruised to victory. Much has changed since then.
Sinner is the more explosive shotmaker, taking the ball early and robbing opponents of time. Djokovic, though, is the ultimate problem-solver.
Their recent history favors Sinner, but the stakes and surface level the playing field. Djokovic’s experience on these courts is unmatched, and while Sinner has handled every challenge in straight sets so far, he hasn’t yet been tested in a grinder. Djokovic, on the other hand, just came through one against Zverev.
This semifinal could turn into a marathon, especially if Djokovic drags Sinner into long rallies and physical sets. The longer it goes, the more the pendulum swings toward the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The faster it ends, the more it favors Sinner’s rhythm and tempo.
And that’s just it: If Sinner can get ahead early and keep points short, he has the edge. But if Djokovic can steal a set, extend rallies and frustrate the younger man, the momentum and crowd could quickly shift.
Either way, this should be a high-level, multi-set battle between two players at very different stages of greatness.
Despite being the underdog, Djokovic’s track record at Roland-Garros and recent form against top competition suggest he can push this match deep. Whether it’s a four-set thriller or a five-set epic, expect Djokovic to rack up enough games to keep this one competitive and potentially iconic.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.