Novak Djokovic addressed comparisons between his historic 2015 campaign and Jannik Sinner’s level during an event in New York. When asked by an interviewer to evaluate who was stronger—the peak Djokovic of a decade ago or the modern Italian star—the Serbian smiled, shrugged, and offered a direct reply: “Sapete già la risposta” (You already know the answer).
The Numbers Behind Djokovic’s Historic 2015 Season
To understand the baseline set by the Serbian icon, one must look back at a season that remains one of the most dominant in tennis history. According to tour statistics, Djokovic won three out of four major titles in 2015, missing a calendar Grand Slam only after falling to Stan Wawrinka in the final at Roland Garros.
Beyond his success at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, Djokovic claimed six ATP Masters 1000 shields and captured the year-end ATP Finals. He finished that calendar year with a remarkable 82 match wins against just six losses, operating at 28 years old in the absolute prime of his athletic career.
Sinner’s Trajectory and Recent Challenges
Jannik Sinner has carved out a formidable reputation of his own on the ATP Tour, though comparisons remain complex given the age gap—Sinner remains under 25 years old. According to match records from his recent seasons, Sinner dominated the Masters 1000 category with a perfect record in finals across those specific events, alongside securing a Wimbledon crown.
However, physical hurdles have interrupted his momentum. Sinner was forced to withdraw from the “Cincinnati Open” due to a right knee injury, sparking immediate concern among Italian supporters. Medical evaluations indicated an overload pathology behind the withdrawal, a common obstacle for elite players maintaining heavy tournament schedules.
Did You Know?
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner faced off at the Australian Open semifinals, where Djokovic halted Sinner’s run before ultimately claiming another deep-tournament victory.
Comparing Eras and Peak Conditions
Evaluating two athletes across different eras involves more than simple trophy counts. Tennis conditions, racquet technology, and the depth of the locker room have all evolved.
Sinner’s career arc, meanwhile, is still ascending. With multiple major semifinals and titles already secured, his ceiling remains undefined. While Djokovic’s coy response in New York hinted at his own historic dominance, the Italian’s timeline suggests his best tennis could still lie ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Novak Djokovic say about Jannik Sinner in New York?
When asked to compare his 2015 level to Sinner’s current form, Djokovic smiled and told the interviewer, “Sapete già la risposta” (You already know the answer).
Why did Jannik Sinner withdraw from the Cincinnati Open?
Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to a right knee injury diagnosed as an overload pathology.
How many Grand Slams did Djokovic win in 2015?
Djokovic won three Grand Slam titles in 2015—the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—reaching the final at Roland Garros.
What is your take on the debate? Can Sinner match the historic dominance of Djokovic’s 2015 run in the coming years? Join the discussion in the comments below, share this article with fellow tennis fans, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates from the ATP Tour.
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