Jannik Sinner throws Roger Federer comments back in his face at Wimbledon

As a three-time Grand Slam champion and the established world No.1, you'd think there was no longer any need for Jannik Sinner to be proving people wrong. However, on Friday night, not only did the Italian dismantle Novak Djokovic in his Wimbledon semi-final, but he also proved a point to Roger Federer.

In a final that fans and organisers craved, Sinner will take on Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court today. For the 23-year-old, it's an opportunity to seal a first-ever title at SW19. For the Spanish prodigy on the other side of the net, the opportunity for three in a row awaits. However, it's a clash that Federer, who has graced the tournament as a spectator this year, didn't predict.

Ahead of the final four match between all-time great Djokovic and the man who many envisage surpassing his Grand Slam haul one day, Federer was asked for a prediction. Having been approached by a fan, he paused before shouting back: "I think Novak."

It was an opinion seemingly born out of nostalgia and not logic. In reality, the more youthful and mercurial Sinner blew the Serb away to win 6-3 6-3 6-4.

Many have now labelled it the unofficial changing of the guard. Djokovic, the last surviving member of the 'big four' that for so long defined the sport, was reduced to a fading gladiator, relentless in his desire but forlorn when the intensity was at its greatest.

Sinner perhaps felt aggrieved at still having to prove Federer, along with so many other pundits and fans, wrong. Scepticism still remains over the doping controversy that saw him suspended earlier this year, a notion that will only serve to strengthen his desire to win Wimbledon.

Djokovic, like Federer, is already cemented as a great of the sport. But Djokovic, again like Federer, is no longer the man to target at Grand Slam events, with a new and strong generation having emerged.

Sinner had little to prove to anyone against Alcaraz today, except for himself. Federer might be well advised to observe with appreciation, without putting his foot in it first.