|
4 Jun 2025 | 23.52
Eager for revenge was Novak Djokovic facing Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2025. The Serb and the German last met in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open, a match that Djokovic couldn't finish due to the untimely injury he suffered from his quarterfinal match with Carlos Alcaraz. After months of tough results to digest for the most decorated tennis player in history, 'Nole' found himself once again against Zverev in a match where an outstanding level of tennis prevailed. 3 hours and 17 minutes after stepping onto the court, the Balkan player triumphed 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4.
The draw didn't favor Novak Djokovic by setting him against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2025. Although he had defeated the German eight times before, he had also lost in five of their previous encounters. However, this time was expected to be different from the last ones, with a highly motivated Serbian not being one of the top two title favorites and eager to prove 'Sascha' wrong for placing himself ahead of the Balkan player among the main contenders, a statement made during a recent press conference.
- An early final
Djokovic has already won the tournament three times, but having participated 21 times and with it being the Grand Slam where he has the fewest crowns, his hunger for the title resembles that of a rookie. From the first point, it was evident that these quarterfinals had the scent of a final.
Two true titans clashed in a match where both went all out for the win. Zverev stepped onto the court very inspired and determined not to play passively like in previous important matches in recent times. He succeeded. He appeared splendid and flawless, playing deep and with great authority in his serves. 'Nole' seemed to only earn points by giving his all, considering Zverev's power was such that he broke early in the first set and went on to win it 6-4.
- Djokovic and the 'jackal' mode
The second set continued as is until Djokovic started showcasing the level he had hidden since the final of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. That was when the German experienced the first setback of the match, letting the Serbian break his serve. It's remarkable that 'Nole' lost only in the first game of the first set and from there took full initiative with that shot, varying it to unsettle his opponent. Zverev kept trying and, knowing that his level had been good so far, he attempted to hold on to his chances, which were still high. Nevertheless, Djokovic demonstrated why he's the most decorated tennis player in history and defeating him in a tournament where he already has 101 victories is no easy task.
- Zverev's ghosts resurfaced
As the third set progressed, in the fifth game, Zverev's cracks started to reappear. So far, they had been minor bumps that anyone could have, but it soon became clear that they went deeper indicating that the ghosts of the past had returned, as he began playing less aggressively and anticipating the Serbian's game.
Three consecutive service breaks were suffered by the German, even though in the first hour of the match, he had shown flawless service. Furthermore, a double fault at an inopportune time confirmed that once again, Alexander Zverev isn't mentally prepared to win a Grand Slam, continuing a seemingly endless curse.
- The Philippe Chatrier, another Djokovic stronghold
Djokovic moved around as if in his own garden, displaying an unbreakable range of shots, frustrating the German and attempting drop shots executed perfectly, especially with his backhand. And when everything seemed in favor of the Serbian, Zverev had his first break opportunity since the second set, being a break down in the fourth set. The result? a 41-shot rally that concluded after two smashes poorly executed by Zverev and with Djokovic in disbelief at the spectacular point he had just gained, capturing the essence of this match.
Zverev kept trying until the end, raising his level once more and demanding more from his rival, who left no doubts that he would secure the victory in four sets. Five 'match points' were needed by the Serbian. Nonetheless, Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of Roland Garros 2025 where he will face Jannik Sinner.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic, el titán infinito
-
30 Jun 2026 | 10:00Maya Joint, the chosen one -
30 Jun 2026 | 10:00Schedule and where to watch Novak Djokovic against Tsitsipas at Wimbledon 2026 -
30 Jun 2026 | 01:00Djokovic explodes against current tennis: "We need a complete reset" -
29 Jun 2026 | 23:00Djokovic performs a balancing act to avoid the abyss at Wimbledon -
29 Jun 2026 | 19:00Sinner alleviates concern after his slip at Wimbledon: "Grass is like that"
