The carrot of the century had been offering additional motivation for Djokovic in Shanghai.
So too was the chance to point out the youthful technology that he nonetheless has the standard and sturdiness to beat them to the largest prizes.
Nevertheless, a few lapses from the four-time Shanghai champion at key moments proved pricey in Sunday’s remaining and allowed Sinner to edge probably the most crucial factors.
Regardless of the defeat, Djokovic has loads of positives to take from a match the place he produced a few of his finest tennis of the yr.
“I nonetheless assume that I performed fairly good, so it offers me motive to consider that I can nonetheless play with these guys which can be finest on this planet,” added Djokovic.
Dropping to Sinner for the third consecutive time, although, is a telling statistic because the veteran goals to maintain pushing the subsequent technology led by Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
“It is robust to inform you the key [to beating Djokovic] as a result of he does not have any weaknesses,” Sinner mentioned.
“It’s a must to use the small quantity of possibilities he offers you. He’s a legend of our sport and could be very robust to play towards.”