Novak Djokovic will find Jannik Sinner 'tough to beat' in Wimbledon semi-final says Mats Wilander

As Jannik Sinner prepares to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final at Wimbledon, Mats Wilander believes the Italian will draw inspiration from his performance in last year's defeat to the 23-time grand slam champion. Sinner reached his first grand slam semi-final by beating Roman Safiullin 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-2 on Tuesday, setting up a rematch with seven-time Wimbledon winner Djokovic. Ad Last year's quarter-final defeat to Djokovic will be fresh in Sinner's mind.

Although he eventually crashed out of the tournament on a score of 7-5 6-2 3-6 2-6 2-6, the 21-year-old will take confidence from winning the first two sets. WimbledonDjokovic considers himself favourite to win Wimbledon, calls Sinner a 'complete player'13 HOURS AGO And Wilander believes his performance on grass shows he will be a “tough” opponent for Djokovic, even if he’s still a “work in progress”. “It was just a matter of time I think before he was going to reach his first semi-final,” said Wilander.

“He's a great grass player, a great player in general, but I think grass might become and be his best surface because he plays so aggressively. “And obviously it's difficult to move on a grass court so he’s going to be in charge because he hits the ball so hard. And then I have to say when I watch him move on a grass court, I can't help but think that he was a great skier, Italian champion in 14 and under, and I mean he's literally on skis on a grass court with sliding, using the edges of his shoes.

Novak Djokovic rallies to beat Andrey Rublev and set up Jannik Sinner semi-final at Wimbledon Novak Djokovic 'only getting better' and could win 30 Grand Slams — Mats Wilander “He's changed his serve again. He's serving better. I think he’s serving harder.