Jannik Sinner’s return to the Six Kings Slam as the defending champion was already electric. Defeating Novak Djokovic to keep his five-win streak alive, the Italian has proved why he is world No. 2. But in his post-match interview, he also paid due respect to his veteran opponent, who is still showing an extreme passion for the sport.

Just moments after his latest triumph, The Tennis Letter took to X to share what Sinner had to say in his post-match interview. “No, I think he said everything. Such a great role model for the younger generation,” the 24-year-old paid tribute to the 38-year-old legend. “Seeing him competing and practicing and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible.”

“I see him as a real idol. To play against him is a huge honor and privilege. I’m happy about today, but I’m also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around.”

Although all-friendly after the matchup, Sinner ensured the match remained highly competitive. The Italian cruised to a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory in a mere 63 minutes. However, the quick defeat doesn’t do justice to the fiery matchup it had become in Riyadh.

Both players held initially, but Sinner got the first break opportunity for a lead in the first set. After that, the Italian didn’t need to do much as he relied on his serves to do the work until the end of the set. The 4-time major champion had 9 aces and a 78% first serve in, winning 85% of those points.

In the second set, Djokovic could not rediscover his level. An early break put the Italian up, who quickly led 2-0. A few minutes later, another opportunity arrived for Sinner, and he secured the second break. Although Djokovic managed a couple of break chances in the sixth game, Sinner managed to hold on without complications to take the victory 6-4, 6-2 in just one hour and 3 minutes.

Djokovic hasn’t defeated Sinner since the 2023 ATP Finals, but he did beat Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals. Now, the Nole will play Taylor Fritz in the third and fourth-place play-off match at the Six Kings Cup on Saturday.

After wrapping up his run at the Six Kings Slam, Novak Djokovic will gear up for his next stop, the 2025 Paris Masters, scheduled from October 27 to November 2 at the La Défense Arena. The tournament, played on indoor hard courts, is one of Djokovic’s favorite hunting grounds and a key stop on the ATP Masters 1000 calendar.

Interestingly, the Serbian star holds the record for the most titles in Paris, having won the event seven times: in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. He’s also finished runner-up twice, in 2018 and 2022, proving just how consistent he’s been at this stage of the season.

Last year, Novak Djokovic was the defending champion but withdrew before the tournament began. Back in 2023, however, he put on a masterclass run, defeating Tomás Martín Etcheverry, Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev, and finally Grigor Dimitrov in the final to capture his 40th ATP Masters title. So, while Jannik Sinner may have earned the bragging rights at the Six Kings Slam, Djokovic doesn’t seem too bothered.

Novak Djokovic jokes about his loss against Jannik Sinner

After the match, the 38-year-old Serb showed his trademark humor, jokingly apologizing to fans for how short the match was, and even giving Jannik Sinner full credit for the beatdown. “I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today. It’s his fault, not my fault,” Djokovic said with a laugh, via The Tennis Letter. “I tried to intimidate him a bit in that last game with the 0–15 point, but it didn’t work. It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. He was just too good. Well done to him, and good luck in the finals.”

As for how Novak Djokovic feels competing against players more than a decade younger than him, the 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted it’s both humbling and inspiring. He said it’s an honor to still battle against guys like Sinner and Alcaraz at this stage of his career, even if the results don’t always go his way. “The training is always worth it. The love for the game and the passion for tennis is there,” he shared. “Excuse my language, but it’s never nice when someone kicks your a– like this on the court. But it definitely is amazing that I’m still able to play at a high level.”

With a grin, Djokovic added a playful wish that summed up the generational shift in men’s tennis. “I would like if someone could trade a younger body with me, just for a year, so I can try to win against these guys. That would be nice,” he joked. “Jokes aside, I still have the drive. I know it’s becoming much more difficult for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos. I’m gonna keep on challenging them until it happens.”

Now, with the Serb out, Sinner and Alcaraz are set for yet another blockbuster final, their fifth of the year. That said, how much longer do you think Novak Djokovic can realistically keep up with the next generation at this level?