"Jannik Sinner knows my game, I know his" - Novak Djokovic downplays expectations ahead of Shanghai Masters final against Italian

Novak Djokovic will take on Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final. The Serb is looking to lift the Masters 1000 crown for a fifth time in his career.

The Serb, in a surprising stat, has not yet won a Tour-level title this season. His only big win this year was capturing the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Djokovic has, however, been in solid form all week. He has dropped only one set en-route to the final (in the quarterfinal against Jakub Mensik). But he is still keeping his expectations under check.

Speaking to media during his press conference after beating Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, Djokovic said he knows the sort of form that Sinner has been in over the last year, before describing him has the “best player in the world” and the “one to beat."

"Well, I won't share that with you, but as I said, he's in form the last 12 months," Novak Djokovic said. "Best player in the world, incredible tennis, just so consistent, and player to beat, no doubt, particularly on hard court."

Djokovic, who has played Sinner on numerous occasions in the past, said he and his opponent know each other’s game inside out, before adding that he will have to be at his very best to stand a chance in the final.

"[Jannik Sinner] knows my game, I know his game. We haven't played since Australia this year. Yeah, I'm hoping for the best, you know, it's going to take my highest level to win," the Serb said.

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"I won't be a favorite on the court" - Novak Djokovic on facing Jannik Sinner in Shanghai Masters final

Novak Djokovic will face Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final. (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic said that he has done well to position himself within touching distance of winning another Shanghai Masters title. Notably, if he were to win on Sunday, it would mark the Serb’s 100th career title and 41st at Masters 1000 level.

"Yeah, I'm in a great position to win the title, you know, fighting for my 100th title overall, and 41st Masters," Novak Djokovic said. "Against the best player in the world."

Playing against the World No. 1 in the form of Jannik Sinner, Djokovic said he will essentially be the underdog and that takes some pressure off his shoulders.

"I won't be a favorite on the court, but hopefully I'll be able to come out physically fresh enough, you know, to challenge him for what may be, you know, the long match. I have to expect probably the toughest encounter of the tournament, and I have to be ready for it, so I look forward to a great challenge," the Serb said.

Djokovic leads Sinner in their current head-to-head 4-3. Sinner, however, has won their last two meetings, including earlier this year at the Australian Open.