As the grass courts of Wimbledon welcomed the world’s tennis elite in June 2025, Alexander Zverev, the German world number three, revealed a heartwarming exchange with his rival, Novak Djokovic, that underscored the Serbian’s sportsmanship and generosity. On the eve of the Championships, Zverev shared how Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, took time during practice sessions to offer him valuable advice, despite the possibility of facing each other in the tournament. This moment of camaraderie, set against the backdrop of their intense rivalry, has captivated fans and highlighted Djokovic’s enduring influence both on and off the court.
Zverev, still chasing his first Grand Slam title, spoke candidly about seeking Djokovic’s guidance during a practice session earlier in the week. “I trained with him this week and asked him several questions,” Zverev said. “He’s so generous that he took the time to answer and give me advice, even though we could face each other here.” The German, who reached the Australian Open final earlier this year after Djokovic’s injury retirement, expressed admiration for the Serbian’s openness, noting how rare it is for a top rival to share insights so freely. Their practice sessions, filled with long chats about strategy and resilience, offered Zverev a glimpse into the mindset that has fueled Djokovic’s historic career.
The exchange traces back to a pivotal moment in Shanghai at the 2024 Rolex Masters, where Zverev, reeling from disappointing results at Wimbledon and the US Open, sought Djokovic’s perspective on overcoming slumps. “I was disappointed with how my year was going after Roland Garros,” Zverev recalled. “I was not winning tournaments anymore. The US Open was extremely disappointing to me because I thought I had a big chance to go very far there.” Djokovic, who has navigated his own challenges, including a trophyless 2024, shared insights from his own comeback in 2018 after injury-plagued years. “He was just talking to me about his situations and about his experiences with difficult times,” Zverev added, crediting those conversations for helping him rediscover his form, culminating in his Australian Open final run.
This generosity comes despite a fierce rivalry. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 8-5, with a notable 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Zverev in the 2025 French Open quarter-finals, where he deployed 35 drop shots to outmaneuver the German. Zverev, however, flipped the script in Melbourne, advancing when Djokovic retired with a quad tear after a tight 7-6(5) first set. “I didn’t expect it. Of course not. I thought it was still a very high-level first set,” Zverev said of the Australian Open match, praising Djokovic’s resilience. His defense of Djokovic against a booing Melbourne crowd further showcased his respect: “Please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury. Novak Djokovic is someone who has given this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life.”
At Wimbledon, both players are in top form. Djokovic, the second seed, is chasing an eighth title, while Zverev, seeded third, aims to surpass his fourth-round best from 2021. Their potential clash looms large, but Zverev’s comments reveal a deeper bond. “I think at the moment he’s a bit underrated,” Zverev said of Djokovic after their French Open match, citing his wins over top players like Carlos Alcaraz. Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, with one writing, “Zverev’s respect for Djokovic shows the class of both players,” reflecting the widespread admiration for their dynamic.
Djokovic’s advice to Zverev wasn’t just tactical—it was motivational. At 38, Djokovic remains a formidable force, reaching the French Open semi-finals and becoming the second-oldest man to do so since 1968. “My way of playing is based on running, but at my age it’s not so easy to run so much,” he said, explaining his strategic shift to drop shots. For Zverev, these insights are a roadmap to unlocking his own potential as he navigates the pressure of Grand Slam contention. As Wimbledon unfolds, their mutual respect promises to elevate the tournament, whether they meet on the court or continue inspiring each other off it.
Leave a Reply