In a pulsating night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend, showcased his enduring brilliance to outlast Alexander Zverev in a gripping 2025 French Open quarterfinal. The three-time Roland Garros champion battled back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory, advancing to his 13th semifinal at the tournament and keeping his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title alive. The clash, which captivated Parisian fans for over three hours, was a testament to Djokovic’s tactical genius and resilience, setting the stage for a blockbuster semifinal against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The match began with Zverev, the 2024 Roland Garros finalist, seizing the initiative. The German, ranked No. 3, broke Djokovic’s serve in the opening game and held firm to claim the first set 6-4, punctuated by a blistering 199 km/h ace. “Zverev started well by breaking Djokovic in the first service game,” observers noted, as the 27-year-old’s powerful serve and rock-solid backhand pushed the Serbian to the brink. Yet, Djokovic, who hadn’t dropped a set in his previous four matches, refused to wilt. “I feel good. I always have high expectations, I know that I can always play better each day,” he said after his round-of-16 win over Cameron Norrie, a mindset that fueled his comeback.
As the match progressed, Djokovic’s tactical mastery shone through. His signature drop shots—43 in total, with 30 won—became a weapon that “made Zverev completely mad,” according to onlookers. “Just trying to mix it up,” Djokovic explained post-match. “At one point, I felt like I couldn’t go through him, so I tried to bring him to the net. I tried to risk it with the dropshot, serve and volley. It had to be done.” The strategy disrupted Zverev’s rhythm, forcing the German to chase balls across the clay, particularly in a grueling 41-shot rally that left the crowd gasping. By the third set, Djokovic had taken control, breaking Zverev twice to win 6-2 and asserting dominance with his relentless returning, a skill that has defined his career.
The final set was a tactical chess match, with Djokovic deploying serve-and-volley plays and pinpoint drop shots to keep Zverev off balance. Despite saving four match points, including a dramatic smash to fend off the third, Zverev couldn’t halt Djokovic’s momentum. On his fifth match point, Djokovic sealed the victory with a delicate drop shot that Zverev swiped wide, prompting a roar from the Parisian crowd. “For both players, this was a fabulous atmosphere here,” Djokovic said in French, charming the fans. “The last game was tactical, I tried to impose my rhythm with two or three drop shots which worked well for me. There’s a lot of wind, and it’s really tough to have the variation.”
Zverev, who leads the ATP with 101 aces on clay this season, reflected on his missed opportunities. “It was a great match for me, I was really close to turning that second set around,” he said, lamenting a crucial forehand that landed in the net. His performance, bolstered by an early retirement from Tallon Griekspoor in the fourth round, showed his clay-court pedigree, but Djokovic’s experience proved decisive. “Novak should never be considered an outsider,” Zverev had warned before the match, a nod to the Serbian’s 100-16 Roland Garros record and 21-match win streak at the venue, including his 2024 Olympic gold.
Now, Djokovic faces a formidable challenge in Jannik Sinner, who cruised past Alexander Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 in his quarterfinal. The head-to-head between Djokovic and Sinner is locked at 4-4, promising a thrilling battle for a spot in the final. “Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player for the last couple of years, deservedly,” Djokovic acknowledged, aware of the Italian’s 19-match Grand Slam win streak. With Carlos Alcaraz facing Lorenzo Musetti in the other semifinal, the men’s draw is poised for a dramatic climax.
Djokovic’s journey to this point has been one of redemption. After a season marred by injuries, including a hamstring tear that forced his retirement against Zverev in the 2025 Australian Open semifinals, he found his rhythm in Geneva, winning his 100th career title. His 100th Roland Garros win against Norrie marked him as only the second player, after Rafael Nadal, to reach that milestone at the tournament. As he eyes a historic 25th major, Djokovic’s blend of physicality, intelligence, and adaptability—honed by a brief stint with coach Andy Murray—remains unmatched. For the Parisian faithful, this victory was a reminder of why “Nole” remains a force, setting the stage for a semifinal that could define the 2025 French Open.
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