Djokovic downs Zverev to set up French Open Semi-Final clash with Sinner

New Straits Times

a day ago

Paris – Novak Djokovic said that beating Alexander Zverev on Wednesday was a "testament" to his ability to compete at the highest level, as the 38-year-old reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros and edged closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic fought past third seed Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in a gruelling night session duel that captivated Court Philippe Chatrier for over three and a quarter hours.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner moves on to face world number one Jannik Sinner in the last four, after the Italian earlier raced past unseeded Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
"Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player over the last couple of years," said Djokovic.
"It's going to be, of course, the semi-final of a Grand Slam against the world No. 1. 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.
"I just hope that I'll be able to physically keep up with Sinner in a few days' time. It's a big challenge for me."
On centre court, last year's runner-up Zverev roared out of the blocks with an immediate break of serve as he clinched the opening set against Djokovic.
It was the first time the former world number one had dropped a set at the French Open this year.
Djokovic engineered a 3-1 lead in the second set after Zverev pushed a backhand long when serving at 30-40.
The three-time Roland Garros champion then held firm through the rest of the set to level the match, as he began to punish the 1.98m Zverev with deft drop shots.
The Serb sniffed out a break opportunity in game five of the third set and took it, before breaking the German again to take control of the match.
Now riding high, Djokovic started the fourth set by once more pouncing on his opponent's usually reliable serve.
He brought Chatrier to its feet with a whipped cross-court forehand to save break point in the sixth game, at the end of a thrilling exchange that Zverev looked certain to win on at least three occasions.
Zverev appeared a defeated man when he squandered that vital break-back chance with a netted forehand.
Djokovic marched on and sealed his 101st win at the French Open, raising his arms in triumph after finally converting match point at the fifth attempt.
"It was an amazing match," said Djokovic.
"Obviously, beating one of the best players in the world on the biggest stages is something that I definitely work for, and I still push myself on a daily basis at this age because of these kinds of matches and experiences.
"It's a proven testament to myself — and to others — that I can still play at the highest level."
A poor run of form earlier in the season and his advancing years had led some to question whether Djokovic could still match his younger rivals.
But he had a response for his doubters:
"I think the win against (Carlos) Alcaraz in the quarters of the Australian Open (2025), and tonight's win over Zverev, proves to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level — and I thrive on these occasions."
A sentiment echoed by Zverev.
"I think at the moment he's a bit underrated, to be honest," said the German.
"I think a lot of people count him out already, but this year he's had wins over Carlos at the Australian Open, and now a win over me at the French Open. Forget the age — for any player, those are pretty good results."
Defeat at the quarter-final stage — in a tournament where he has reached at least the semi-finals every year since 2021 — brings an end to a disappointing clay-court season for Zverev.
The three-time Grand Slam runner-up endured early exits at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, as well as a quarter-final finish in Rome.