Jannik Sinner told he did something against Novak Djokovic which no other player in the world would at the Six Kings Slam

An ATP player has spotted how Jannik Sinner is applying pressure to Novak Djokovic in a way other players have not. For the second time in less than a week the World number one and the 24-time Grand Slam champion did battle.

This time they faced one another at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia and though it was an exhibition, event they played as though they were ranking points or a prestigious title on the line. As was the case in Sunday’s Shanghai Masters final, Sinner defeated Djokovic, but the scoreline was closer on this occasion.

What does Jannik Sinner do that other players don’t do against Novak Djokovic?
The Six Kings Slam does not count towards the official ATP Tour head-to-head record, but Jannik Sinner has now won five of his last six meetings with Novak Djokovic.

In fact, the 23-year-old has now won their last four matches and he seems to have the blueprint to play against the Olympic champion.

One thing ATP player Liam Broady noticed while commentating on their latest encounter is Sinner using the tactic of trading cross court backhands with Djokovic.

Most players aim to avoid hitting towards the Serbian’s backhand, which is arguably the best of all time, but Sinner is confident in doing so, which Broady thinks is causing Djokovic to switch up the play.

“I think Sinner may be the only player who looks for that back-hand exchange with Novak Djokovic. There isn’t another player on the planet who would feel comfortable with that,” he said. “It is one of the greatest shots of all time, full stop, and again it looks like Novak has been the one to check out of that rally before Jannik has.”

Jannik Sinner reacts after beating Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam
Sinner stormed through set one against Djokovic in just 26 minutes, before the veteran claimed a second set tiebreak to level the match.

Both players showed signs of fatigue through the third set, before Sinner emerged with a 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 win. After the match, Sinner admitted that he was nervous due to the fatigue he was feeling.

“We all raise our level and try to play every point the best possible way. Obviously, that’s never easy. But we take it quite seriously. Just trying to improve our game. We are all trying our best,” the Italian said after Thursday’s match.

“Usually, I’m quite calm. Today, I also got nervous. Sometimes I can’t handle myself when I’m a bit tired. It’s good I have another chance Saturday. I might not be as fresh as possible but I’ll try my best. We just try to make it a good show for all of you.”