Novak Djokovic has made his feelings clear on Jannik Sinner (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic has rubbished claims he disrespected with a one-word description of his rival. Both men are preparing for their first round matches at the where Djokovic is chasing an 11th title and a 25th Grand Slam crown overall.
Ahead of the tournament, conducted an interview with The interview featured a word association section, where he was asked to describe some of his peers and fellow legends.
For , he said “elegance”, , “tenacity” and , “charisma”. But for Sinner, he merely said “skiing” which raised some eyebrows among fans on social media, with some accusing him of disrespecting the world No.1 and defending champion.
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However, Djokovic fired back at those suggestions ahead of his tournament opener against Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday. He insisted the description related to their shared passion of skiing and nothing else.
Speaking in Serbian, he said: “Yes, I’ve seen it on social media that it’s being made into some kind of drama or a story, like I humiliated him or I’ve intentionally shown disrespect toward him.
“That’s ridiculous. It was one of those quiz type of interviews where you have to think of something in a second. Sinner’s name came up and I had this image in my head of him skiing, because I saw he was skiing somewhere.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have a shared passion for skiiing (Image: Getty)
“Also, the two of us talk about skiing always, how we’re going to ski together, etc. That’s why I said ‘skiing’, not because I don’t respect his achievements in tennis, on the contrary.”
Djokovic went on to shower Sinner, the favourite to win the first Grand Slam of the year, in praise, adding: “It is as clear as day that the way he is dominating is worthy of every praise – both his playing style and the level of play.
“He’s got all the attributes I’ve mentioned in others [Federer, Nadal, Alcaraz], and now people make it seem like I am disrespecting him. Rubbish.”
Sinner, who winner of two Grand Slams in 2024, begins his challenge against Chilean Nicholas Jarry on Monday.