I'll be 100% for Djokovic semi-final, says Sinner

Wimbledon 2025

Dates: 30 June-13 July Venue: All England Club

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World number one Jannik Sinner says he will be "100%" for Friday's Wimbledon semi-final against Novak Djokovic after injuring his elbow earlier in the week.

The 23-year-old Italian fell during the first game of his fourth-round tie with Grigor Dimitrov on Monday and had to take a medical time-out to receive treatment.

He was two sets down against Dimitrov but ultimately progressed after his opponent retired through injury.

Sinner only had a light 20-minute hit with his coaches on Tuesday and wore strapping and a protective sleeve on his racquet arm during Wednesday's quarter-final victory over Shelton.

The only sign of discomfort he showed was when he grimaced and shook out his arm after returning one of Shelton's huge serves in the second set.

"The pain is getting better," Sinner told BBC Sport. "I played today with some painkillers which helped me to get through.

"Returning fast serves is not easy. But yes, it's not something crazy serious because if not I would be much more concerned.

"Time will always help and [Thursday] is one day off, which is going to be good for me, and Friday I'm going to be 100%."

Djokovic, bidding for record 25th Grand Slam title, lost to Sinner in the French Open last four earlier this year.

The two have also met twice before at Wimbledon - in the quarter-finals in 2022 and the semi-finals in 2023, with Djokovic winning on both occasions.

However, three-time Grand Slam champion Sinner has won their past four meetings.

"Me and Novak, we know each other better because we have played quite a lot," Sinner said.

"I've never won against him here in Wimbledon so it's going to be a very, very tough challenge."

Sinner also said he decided to play in new shoes for his match with Shelton to reduce the chances of slipping again.

"I played with completely new shoes to have more grip," he added.

"I haven't even played practice [in them]. It was completely new, which usually on other surfaces I don't do.

"On grass the main priority is to have lots of grip so I have to get used to it."