Game set and match

Tag: atp

  • Why Novak Djokovic will define the odds and win another Grand slam

    The man from Serbia is showing that age is just a number and will go onto to win a record 25th grand slam title.

    Novak Djokovic, the man who grew up watching the bombs fly over his head on the streets of Belgrade has gone on to become the greatest player in Tennis.

    After now going 18 months without a grand slam title Novak Djokovic will prove his doubters wrong to stamp his authority as the best in tennis.

    After winning his first slam down under in 2008, Djokovic really has completed tennis.

    The Serbian’s dominance over the last decade has been staggering.

    He has seen his three main rivals; Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray retire around him whilst he has gone on to show why he is the greatest to have played the sport.

    At 37 years old, Novak has solidified his status among the elite, being able to outlast tennis’ youngest superstar in Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open in 2025.

    In November 2024, the Serb announced that he was going to team up with British legend Andy Murray who would become his coach.

    An unlikely partnership: a partnership that leads to winning.

    With Andy Murray at the helm, Djokovic will surely be successful as he aims to surpass Margaret Court to win the most Grand Slams.

    In the last 18 months, the grand slams have been dominated by the future of tennis. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz shared two grand slam titles each in 2024.

    So will Novak Djokovic have more hunger to win?

    Whilst Novak went a year without a grand slam title for the first time in seven years, he captured the one tournament missing from his record; an Olympic Gold medal.

    A superb performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the Gold medal match in Paris propelled Djokovic to the greatest.

    It was an emotional moment for him as he could be seen in tears but it’s great for the sport of Tennis as it highlights how much it means for a player to win.

    This moment simply solidifies the qualities that the Serb still holds.

    Most players at 37 years old consider retirement, but not this man.

    Djokovic has managed to keep his body in excellent physical condition, avoiding many long-term injuries.

    As he went out of the French Open in 2024, he had to have minor knee surgery, but four weeks later he somehow manages to get fit to play at Wimbledon and make a final: a true warrior.

    If he manages to stay fit there is no doubt that Djokovic has a great chance of winning another Grand Slam.

    Certainly, no one gunning for a title will want to face Novak as they know his capabilities and he has what it takes to win.

    The man from Belgrade has certainly proved any doubters wrong.

    Capturing over three Grand slam titles on each surface represents a true champion.

    Novak Djokovic will show his character and belief to be on top of the tennis world again.

    By Sam Bailey

  • Sensational Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev to defend Australian Open title

    Jannik Sinner produced a scintillating performance to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 and become a three time grand slam winner.

    The Italian dominated from the baseline breaking Zverev’s powerful serve at 4-3 and solidified his advantage throughout the opening set.

    The big serving German was finally broken in the seventh game of the match. Sinner finished off a 16 point rally to hit a forehand winner down the line as Zverev had no answers to Sinner’s consistency.

    His baseline dominance showed in the first set as he was unbeatable behind his serve and wrapped up the opening set after 46 minutes.

    The second set was a much closer affair as Zverev stepped up his game to put pressure on Sinner.

    Zverev, known for his rock solid backhand managed to gain more control.

    The Melbourne crowd, who were showing more support towards Sinner were now on their feet cheering every point as the second set gathered steam.

    A critical point at 6-5 to Zverev and at 30-30 unfolded which could have been a huge turning point.

    21 shots unfolded and Sinner eventually came out on top after nailing a backhand down the line.

    This then led the game into a tiebreak which Sinner closed out to win the tiebreak (7-4) after a superb forehand line winner. A potentially match winning moment for Sinner.

    The Italian came into the third set with his tail up. He was able to hold serve comfortably and his confidence was growing as he played more drop shots.

    On the second break point, Sinner was not to be denied as an unforced error from Zverev game him a championship deciding break to go 4-2 up.

    Jannik Sinner then produced a point to win any grand slam.

    A captivating drop-shot caught Zverev off guard as he dug the ball over the net. Ready and poised, Sinner hit a backhand cross-caught winner to claim the title in straight sets.

    This now means that Sinner has not lost a grand slam match on hard court since being sensationally beaten by his runner up, Zverev in a five-set epic at the 2023 Us Open.

    By Sam Bailey