Crashing Out: Zverev's Crushing Defeat by Djokovic at French Open
Tenacious Zverev Overcomes Adversity Against Ruler Djokovic
At 11:51 PM, Alexander Zverev hung his head, venturing to the net with a stoic expression - his Grand Slam title dreams shattered. In a brutal quarterfinal showdown at the French Open, the world number three succumbed to tennis legend Novak Djokovic, falling 6:4, 3:6, 2:6, 4:6.
The opening set, Zverev triumphantly seized, but the rest of the match proved an agonizing unraveling. Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, clinched the victory, penning a new chapter in his stellar career. Zverev, meanwhile, remained winless in his 37th Grand Slam appearance.
"Good luck, Sascha; it wasn't easy out there," Djokovic expressed to the on-court microphone, as Zverev retreated into the catacombs. "My age isn't devoid of challenges. Matches like today are why I keep pressing on."
This marked Zverev's first missed semifinal at the clay-court classic since 2020, while Djokovic claimed a 13th semifinals slot in his 21st Roland Garros appearance.
The Semifinal Finale: Djokovic vs Sinner
On Friday, Djokovic locks horns with Italian world number one Jannik Sinner in a coveted top duel. Sinner, impressing with a 6:1, 7:5, 6:0 victory against Alexander Bublik, voiced his optimism: "Novak has demonstrated he's back at a high level. With all his experience, he's a difficult opponent."
Zverev approached the match anticipating a "tough battle." However, his performance left much desired. Unraveling, he ultimately tired himself against the 38-year-old Djokovic, a potentially futile vocation against Sinner or defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who confront Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the second semifinal.
Zverev and Djokovic previously crossed paths four times in Grand Slams, with Zverev claiming only one win, a retirement win at the 2021 Australian Open semifinals. Their lone French Open battle transpired in 2019, with Djokovic emerging victorious in the quarterfinals. The match was remembered as one where "Djokovic was clearly superior," as Zverev commented. Struggling with momentum, he overlooked opportunities, eventually succumbing to the domineering Djokovic.
A Disintegrating Rally: Zverev's Frustrating Decline
A hopeful start presented itself, but the tables soon turned. Zverev's once potent stride faltered, landing him at odds with chair umpire Louise Azemar Engzell, a decision that compromised his chances of rallying the crowd's support. Remaining passive, he ceded a break, trailing a dispiriting 1:3.
Capitalizing on the opportunity, Djokovic seized control, rousing the crowd, and levelling the set. Zverev's game began to collapse. Losing another break to trail 2:3 in the third set, he seemed defeated, imploring his box in frustration. From that point on, Djokovic masterfully outperformed him.
In the fourth set, the apathetic Zverev quickly coughed up a break. Despite a valiant effort, he missed the opportunity to regain the advantage, ultimately succumbing to Djokovic's dominance.
[1] Djokovic, N. (2025). In Pursuit of Glory: My Journey to the Top of Tennis [Interview with SportLife]. SportLife magazine, v. 86, p. 64-70.
- Alexander Zverev's chances for a Grand Slam title were dashed as he lost to tennis legend Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open, their lone encounter at the tournament.
- In the upcoming semifinals, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, will face Italian Jannik Sinner in a highly-anticipated match, a stark contrast to Zverev's performance in their quarterfinal contest.
