With Wimbledon just around the corner, the players are gathering in London for the final preparations ahead of the third Major event of the season in the cathedral of tennis.

Two of the tournament’s top contenders – Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner – shared a quiet moment of mutual respect. The pair practiced side by side on the Aorangi practice courts focusing on improvements ahead of their first matches.

As they left the court, a friendly handshake between the seven-time winner and world no. 1 caught the attention of onlookers. Thought fierce rivals on the scoreboard, the Serb and the Italian showed once again that competition and respect can go hand in hand.

Their calm exchange spoke volumes about the mindset of two champions preparing for the biggest stage in tennis. Jannik is leading the draw, while Novak starts the event ranked 6th.

Thus, they could meet in the quarter-final and embrace their third Wimbledon duel. Three years ago, they met in the quarter-final at the All England Club. The young gun made a perfect start and claimed the opening two sets.

However, the legend took charge and stormed over his rival in sets three, four and five, turning the tables and remaining on the title course. A year later, we saw them battling in the semi-final.

They battled for nearly three hours, and Djokovic notched a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 victory for a place in another Wimbledon final. The Serb defended all six break points and provided two breaks in the opening two sets.

It was a high-quality duel, with both providing more winners than unforced errors. Djokovic forged a slight edge in the shortest and most extended rallies, although they stayed neck and neck.

Jannik generated two set points in the tenth game of the third set. Novak saved them and sealed the deal in the tie break. Their most recent duel came in the Roland Garros semi-final a few weeks ago.

The Italian prevailed 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 after a massive battle, and we could see another in the second week of Wimbledon.