Jannik Sinner’s new pre-match ritual: Watching the World Cup, meeting friends

Jannik Sinner may have produced one of the most ferocious performances of his career against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, but there was no sign he was under any pressure before stepping onto Center Court.

Hours after dismantling the seven-time Wimbledon champion 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final, Sinner revealed his pre-match routine is surprisingly relaxed. Instead of following complex superstitions or rituals ahead of one of the biggest matches of his career, the Italian said he simply spends time with his team and friends and has recently been watching the World Cup.

Asked if he had any superstitions about the match, Sinner laughed off the suggestion.

“No, no. No superstitions. I’m very normal,” said Sinner.

“I like spending time with my team. With my friends. The World Cup is on right now. I think England are playing tomorrow… At the moment I like watching football.”

The 24-year-old said he was deliberately trying to stay relaxed instead of obsessing over the occasion because he knows how difficult it is to reach the final stages of a Grand Slam.

“I’m very relaxed. I don’t have anything to do all the time. I’m also enjoying the moment. I know how rare these days are. A Grand Slam final. Hard to reach and reach. You also have to enjoy the moment and the progress.”

That relaxed mindset certainly carried over to the court.

Sinner barely gave Djokovic a chance in the Wimbledon semi-finals, serving superbly and dominating from the baseline throughout the two hour and 20 minute match. The Italian fired 16 aces, conceded just six points on his first serve and was broken after nearly two hours of play.

Djokovic later admitted there was very little he could do against Sinner’s level, saying he was “half a step behind” during the contest and that the Italian was “a level or more better” on the day.

Despite handing Djokovic one of the most one-sided defeats of his Wimbledon career, Sinner was full of admiration for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, describing him as a constant source of inspiration.

“It’s amazing to see him still producing at that level and the match he played with Felix. I was watching. The level was so high.”

“He’s a real inspiration to all of us and to the younger generation too… How much a good mindset can do to your body and mind. He’s a real inspiration to me.”

“Seeing him around and having the honor of playing against him, feeling the pressure against him… these matches can hopefully help me in the future. Every match is different and has its own story. I wouldn’t watch too much head-to-head. I think every match is different. I’m very lucky to play against Novak.”

Sinner’s victory secured his place in the Wimbledon final, where he will face Alexander Zverev. If his latest pre-match routine is anything to go by, the world number one is unlikely to change much ahead of the biggest game of his fortnight, apart from perhaps finding another World Cup game to watch.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

Jul 11, 2026 03:42 IST