Blogsia

The contrast between Djokovic and Sinner in terms of experience was laid bare by the statistics before the match - and borne out in reality during it.

Sinner, 21, was playing his first Grand Slam semi-final, while Djokovic was contesting a 46th major semi-final - equalling Roger Federer's all-time men's record.

Djokovic, who turned 36 in May, was bidding to become the third oldest man in the Open era to reach the final. Sinner was aiming to become the youngest since 2007.

Knowledge of how to succeed on the biggest occasions in the sport, plus the ability to execute when it matters the most, proved to be the key.

Sinner was not able to convert any of his six break points in the match, including two in the opening game and another later in the pivotal first set.

Djokovic converted his only opportunity in the first set and demonstrated his ability to clinically close out, hitting three aces and a service winner from 0-15 down at 5-3 in the opener.

With Sinner having not faced a seed in his run to the last four, Djokovic was a considerable step up in class.

Things looked increasingly ominous for the Italian when he handed over a break for 2-1 in the second set.

A fourth chance to take Djokovic's serve went begging in the fourth game - where the Serb was docked a point for hindrance, judged by British umpire Richard Haigh to have disturbed Sinner with a long grunt, and then warned for taking too long to serve.

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