Photo Source: Andy Cheung/Gettyu
Paris – Novak Djokovic is back in top form and angling for a record 25th major in Paris.
The ageless wonder who just so happens to be the Grand Slam king put forth another special Grand Slam performance on Wednesday night in Paris, taking out third-seeded Alexander Zverev, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, to reach his record 51st Grand Slam semifinal.
The 24-time major champion turned back the clock with a dominant serving display. He was broken in his first service game of the match, but never again as he earned his victory in three hours and 17 minutes.
Djokovic hit 42 winners against 29 unforced errors and he brilliantly kept Zverev off balance by tossing in 35 drop shots and 24 lobs.
“I was just trying to mix it up,” he said. “At one point, you know, I felt like I couldn't go through him, so I tried to bring him to the net. I try to risk it with the dropshot, serve and volley. It had to be done.”
It was vintage Djokovic, and a ninth consecutive victory, dating back to the start of his Geneva title run on the week before Roland-Garros. Djokovic, who claimed his 100th title in Geneva, and locked up his 100th career Roland-Garros win in the round of 16, now has his second Top-10 win of the season after taking out Carlos Alcaraz in this year’s Australian Open quarterfinals.
“It was an amazing match. Obviously beating one of the best players in the world on the biggest stages is something that I definitely work for, and I still, you know, push myself on a daily basis at this age because of these kinds of matches and these kinds of experiences. It's a proven kind of testament to myself that I can and to others that I can still play on the highest level.”
Djokovic will face top-seeded Sinner for the ninth time. The pair have split their previous eight meetings, with Djokovic taking their only battle on clay in 2021.
“Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player for the last couple of years, deservedly,” Djokovic said. “He's been playing some terrific tennis, attacking tennis, and just super strong from every aspect of his game.
“I haven't played him in quite some time. We always had some exciting matches. It's going to be, of course, the semifinals of a Grand Slam against the No. 1 in the world. 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.”