Novak Djokovic downs Alexander Zverev to set up French Open semi-final against top seed Jannik Sinner
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Germany's Alexander Zverev in their quarter-final match on June 4.
PHOTO: AFP
PARIS – Novak Djokovic said beating Alexander Zverev on June 4 was a “testament” to his ability to compete at the highest level, as the 38-year-old reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros to inch closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serb fought past third seed Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in a gruelling night session duel, which captivated the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd for over 3¼ hours.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner moves on to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the last four on June 6, after the Italian earlier raced past the unseeded Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
“Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player for the last couple of years. It’s going to be, of course, semi-finals of a Grand Slam against the No. 1 in the world. There is no bigger occasion for me, so I’ll try to do my best to step it up and perform as well as I did tonight,” said Djokovic.
“I just hope that I will be able to physically keep up, you know, with Sinner in few days’ time. It’s a big challenge for me.”
Djokovic and Sinner are tied at 4-4 in their past matchups. But the Italian has bested the veteran in their last three meetings, including a four-set win in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals on the way to his first Major crown.
“(Djokovic) has shown now in the last period that he is back to the level. He plays very, very well, so it’s going to be even there quite tactical, but very, very difficult. He’s such an experienced player, 24 Grand Slams. I think that says everything,” said Sinner, 23.
The sixth-seeded Djokovic arrived in Paris having won his 100th ATP Tour title in Geneva to open his account in an otherwise lacklustre season where he crashed out early in several big tournaments.
On centre court on June 4, he marched on and sealed his 101st win at the French Open, raising his arms aloft in triumph after finally converting match point at the fifth time of asking.
“It was an amazing match. Obviously beating one of the best players in the world on the biggest stages is something that I definitely work for, and I still, you know, push myself on a daily basis at this age because of these kind of matches and these kind of experiences,” said Djokovic.
“It’s a proven kind of testament to myself that I can and to others that I can still play on the highest level.”
A poor run of form earlier in the season and his advancing years had some questioning whether Djokovic could still match his younger rivals.
But he had a response for his doubters, saying: “I think the win against (Carlos) Alcaraz in quarters of Australian Open (2025), to win quarters against Zverev tonight proves to myself and others that I can still play on the highest level and I just thrive on these occasions.” AFP
