Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s chances of deep run at Wimbledon both given boosts after developments elsewhere

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Both Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have received boosts at Wimbledon after a handful of high-profile exits on day five.

The ATP superstars were both in action on Friday, and both took care of their own business at the All England Club.

Djokovic beat Arthur Rinderknech in the third round, with defending champion Sinner knocking out Jenson Brooksby at the same stage.

But arguably of equal significance were developments elsewhere, which have very likely boosted their chances of deep runs at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner given big boosts at Wimbledon

Sinner and Djokovic, arguably the two favorites for the title, are in the same half of the draw at the Grand Slam.

That means a semifinal encounter is on the cards between the pair, with the winner of that match certain to be confident of going on to lift the trophy.

But their draws have just been really opened up in a very positive way, with Djokovic avoiding Joao Fonseca in the next round after the Brazilian’s shock loss.

Instead, the Serbian will take on qualifier Roman Safiullin after he beat Fonseca, with Sinner in a similar position against Shintaro Mochizuki.

Reaching the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time, Mochizuki also progressed through qualifying, and has just knocked out Rafael Jodar to set up a clash with the defending champion.

Moreover, Sinner already has a boost for the quarterfinals should he get that far, with his projected opponent Daniil Medvedev having just been beaten by Jan-Lennard Struff.

Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner history before possible Wimbledon match

With many high-profile exits in the first week of the Grand Slam, fans are already getting excited about another Djokovic versus Sinner clash.

And while it may have been better left for the final, the two should still produce plenty of fireworks should they come face to face.

With the Italian in cruise control after a tough start and with the Serbian veteran using all of his experience, with a touch of brilliance, a reunion is very possible.

It would represent a 12th ATP meeting between the duo, who have played out a thrilling rivalry throughout their careers.

It is the younger of the pair who holds the slight advantage, with Sinner boasting six wins compared to Djokovic’s five.

Intriguingly, however, the 39-year-old beat the 24-year-old in their most recent meeting in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open.

Neither player will be taking anything for granted at this stage, with both well aware of the potential for upsets long before the semifinals.

Incidentally, potential final opponents for the two include Alex de Minaur and French Open champion Alexander Zverev.