Novak Djokovic breaks tradition moments after earning £1.1m for Jannik Sinner defeat

Novak Djokovic was allowed to break tennis tradition moments after he was defeated in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam by Jannik Sinner. The Serb was beaten 6-4 6-2 in just 62 minutes but was given the opportunity to talk to the crowd in Saudi Arabia, a rare experience for the loser of a semi-final.

Typically, only the victor speaks on court. But Djokovic conducted an interview with BBC icon Andrew Castle before Sinner spoke, as he got a chance to express his feelings on the match. Taylor Fritz, who lost to Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the day in the opposite semi, did not speak in the same manner on court.

Djokovic, having earned £1.1million just for walking onto the court in Riyadh, apologised to the crowd for his one-sided affair against the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion.

"I'm sorry you couldn't see a longer match today," Djokovic said in a rare address. "It's his [Sinner's] fault. Not my fault. I tried to intimidate him a bit in that last game with the 0-15 point but it didn't work. It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. He was just too good. Well done to him and good luck in the finals.

"It's always worth it [competing against Sinner and Alcaraz]. The love for the game and the passion for tennis is there. Excuse my language but it's never nice when someone kicks your a** like this on the court. But it definitely is amazing that I'm still able to play at a high level.

"Being top five, top 10, it's a good feeling. I'm trying my best. I have the body that I have. I'm grateful for everything god has granted me in my life. It's been an incredible journey. There is so much to celebrate.

"I would like if someone could trade a younger body with me. Just for a year so I can try to win against these guys. That would be nice. Jokes aside, I still have the drive. I know it's becoming much more difficult for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos. I'm gonna keep on challenging them until it happens."

Castle told Sinner off for "being so mean to older people" after being handed the microphone by the veteran Djokovic. And after beating his 38-year-old opponent, Sinner lavished praise on him.

"I think he said everything," Sinner said. "Such a great role model for the younger generation. Seeing him competing, practising, and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible. I see him as a real idol.

"To play against him is a huge honour and privilege. I'm happy about today but I'm also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around."

Looking ahead to Saturday's final against Alcaraz, where the winner will bank an additional £3.4m, Sinner added: "I look forward every time we face each other. It's great for us. It's gonna be a great battle.

"I'll try to be as ready as I can. It's obviously a huge honour to play against him again. I'm looking forward to it. I hope you guys do also. We all hope for a great Saturday night."