After an unpleasant start to the season, Novak Djokovic finally seems to be back on track at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. Being in devastating form, the Serbian yesterday outplayed Jannik Sinner in a thrilling quarterfinal at Centre Court. Having his game in place, the former No. 1 made a comeback from two sets down to win the clash in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
While the 6-time champion was praised for his game, what overshadowed it was his show of sportsmanship. Despite being in a neck and neck fight with Sinner, Djokovic ran toward the Italian to help him recover from a nasty fall and a twist of the ankle.
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Jannik Sinner’s awkward fall at the net
Being in a dominant position, Jannik Sinner took the first two sets in a quite comfortable position. However, making a comeback, Djokovic raised his game to take the third set. Keeping up with his game, the Serbian showed the same level of dominance in the fourth set. Leading 5-2 in the set, the 20-time Grand Slam champion played a drop shot in the center of the court.
Looking to pick the nearly perfect looking drop shot, Sinner accelerated from the baseline toward the net. However, little did he know that the run would make him awkwardly twist his ankle. Reaching for the ball, Sinner suffered a major fall and a twist of ankle while trying to plant his feet.
Novak Djokovic won the crowd over with his gesture
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Appearing in serious pain, Sinner’s condition prompted the medical team to rush to the court. However, what received major appreciation was Djokovic’s act of sportsmanship, which was posted as a story by the official Instagram account of Wimbledon. Seeing his opponent in pain, the 35-year-old took no time to climb over the net to help him. In what looked like a serious injury was soon ruled out as a minor discomfort, as Djokovic helped Sinner back to his feet.
The non-seriousness of the injury soon had a clearer picture as Sinner, walking back to the baseline, refused medical help. With both players back at their positions, Djokovic held his serve to take the fourth set. Being two sets all, both players, eyeing to book a place in the final four, headed into the fifth set.
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However, having his performance geared up, Djokovic faced no difficulty as he outplayed Sinner 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. He will now face the 9th seeded Brit, Cameron Norrie in the semifinals.