Djokovic has picked up some impressive wins of his own this week, including straight-setters over Flavio Cobolli and Taylor Fritz. Fritz, who has been playing at an insane level all throughout the hard-court season, played rather well in the match. But Djokovic was too much for him. The Serbian improved to 10-0 against the US Open runner-up, and that match should have Djokovic feeling somewhat prepared for Sinner.
Sinner is obviously a much better mover than Fritz, and the Italian has a more complete game. It’s really not even close. But it should help Djokovic that he just went up against a power server. Sinner is only marginally better than the American in that regard, and he hasn’t played anybody with Djokovic’s baseline ability in quite some time. Sure, Medvedev is a tremendous defensive player, but Djokovic is on a whole other level when it comes to turning defense into offense.
This is also a match that Djokovic is going to want badly. There are no Grand Slams left in the season, and this is an opportunity for him to add another 1000-level title—and prove that he is still firmly a part of this new Big Three. Djokovic is also going for the 100th title of his career, which is a serious milestone.
I’m not sure Djokovic will end up getting the job done in the end, but I definitely feel he has a good shot. And I’d be stunned if he doesn’t win at least one set.
Pick: Djokovic +1.5 Sets (-167)
