As the 2025 French Open heats up on the red clay of Roland Garros, Alexander Zverev has emphatically dismissed the notion that Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, could ever be considered a “dark horse” in Paris. The world No. 3, preparing for a blockbuster quarter-final showdown with Djokovic on Wednesday, June 4, spoke with conviction about the Serbian legend’s pedigree, placing him among the tournament’s elite contenders. With a 74.8% win ratio at Grand Slams, the highest of any player without a major title, Zverev knows the stakes are sky-high as he faces a player who has defined tennis greatness for two decades. His comments, laced with respect and anticipation, set the stage for a thrilling encounter that promises to captivate the Parisian crowd.
Zverev’s remarks came after his fourth-round walkover against Tallon Griekspoor, who retired trailing 6-4, 3-0 due to injury, securing the German’s fifth consecutive Roland Garros quarter-final appearance. Djokovic, meanwhile, cruised past Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, marking his 100th win at the tournament and becoming the oldest quarter-finalist since Istvan Gulyas in 1971. When asked if Djokovic, seeded No. 6 after a rocky clay season, could be seen as an underdog, Zverev was unequivocal. “I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams, he’s never going to be a black horse,” he said, shaking his head. “He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on the big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.” For Zverev, the idea of labeling a player with 428 weeks at No. 1 as anything less than a favorite was absurd.
Instead, Zverev ranked defending champion Carlos Alcaraz as the top contender, with himself, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, and Djokovic as the next tier. “For me, Carlos is the favourite. I’ve said that before,” he explained. “And then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak. I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience, Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all.” His confidence in Djokovic’s ability reflects their storied rivalry, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head 8-5, though Zverev prevailed in their most recent clash at the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals when Djokovic retired injured. “I think from now on, I have the toughest draw in the tournament,” Zverev added, relishing the challenge. “I’m looking forward to the battles ahead. I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”
Djokovic’s resurgence in Paris follows a challenging clay swing, where he went 0-2 in Monte Carlo and Madrid, prompting him to enter the Geneva Open for extra match practice. The move paid off, as he won the title and arrived at Roland Garros in top form, not dropping a set through four rounds. “I feel good. I always have high expectations, I know that I can always play better each day,” Djokovic said after his Norrie win, exuding the confidence that has carried him to three French Open titles. His 100th victory, achieved in just over two hours, underscored his mastery on clay, trailing only Rafael Nadal’s 112 wins at the event. “It’s a very pretty number, but 101 victories sounds better,” he quipped, signaling his hunger for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
Zverev, a three-time major finalist, including a loss to Alcaraz in last year’s Roland Garros final, is chasing his maiden Grand Slam title. His path has been eased by upsets, notably Francisco Cerundolo’s first-round loss to Gabriel Diallo, sparing Zverev a tough matchup given his 0-3 record against the Argentine on clay. “Yeah, that I hate playing him, to be honest,” Zverev had admitted after a Madrid defeat, highlighting Cerundolo’s threat. Now, facing Djokovic, Zverev sees a chance to make history. “We have great history in our rivalry, I would say, but I’m looking forward to the match, and it’s always a privilege to be on court with him,” he said, blending respect with competitive fire.
The quarter-final, their 14th meeting, is a pivotal moment. Djokovic’s 2019 Roland Garros win over Zverev (5-7, 2-6, 2-6) looms large, but Zverev’s victories, including the 2021 ATP Finals and Tokyo Olympics semi-finals, prove he can challenge the Serb. As Paris braces for this clash of titans, Zverev’s dismissal of the “dark horse” label underscores Djokovic’s enduring threat, setting the stage for a battle that could shape the tournament’s outcome.
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