Novak Djokovic turned back the clock with a vintage display to defeat Alexander Zverev in four sets and book his place in the French Open semi-finals. The 38-year-old Serbian overcame a slow start to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory, marking his 51st appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final extending his all-time record. Despite battling recent form struggles and questions about his longevity, Djokovic delivered a masterclass to show why he remains one of the greatest in the sport’s history.
Just weeks ago, Djokovic was on a three-match losing streak and grappling with the idea that time might finally be catching up to him. He described entering a “new reality” where results were beginning to reflect the natural decline that comes with age. But in Paris, he looked every bit the champion, navigating the pressure of the moment and the physical demands of clay-court tennis with poise and precision.
His next challenge will be the formidable Jannik Sinner, the world No 1, who stormed past Alexander Bublik with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 victory in the quarter-finals. Sinner has not dropped a set in the tournament and is riding a 19-match Grand Slam winning streak, including titles at the US Open and Australian Open. The semi-final clash between Djokovic and Sinner promises to be a blockbuster.
Thursday’s match began with Zverev in control. The German dominated the opening set with powerful serving and well-placed forehands, capitalizing on a shaky start from Djokovic. The Serbian dropped his opening service game and was visibly unsettled in the early exchanges. Zverev’s ability to engage Djokovic in long, grinding rallies seemed to be paying off at least initially.
But as the match wore on, Djokovic found his rhythm. Drawing on his unparalleled experience in best-of-five battles, he began to wear Zverev down. The turning point came at 2-1 in the second set, when Zverev’s unforced errors opened the door and Djokovic secured his first break of the match. From there, momentum shifted decisively in Djokovic’s favor.
What followed was a tactical and technical masterclass. Djokovic exploited Zverev’s deep court position with perfectly executed drop shots, and he was relentless in his return game. His serve became increasingly reliable, and he picked ideal moments to charge the net, often catching Zverev off guard with well-timed serve-and-volley plays.
Djokovic’s ability to redirect rallies, particularly with his backhand, broke the rhythm of Zverev’s game. While Zverev possesses one of the strongest serves and solid groundstrokes, he struggled to adapt as Djokovic took control. The German appeared increasingly tense, and history repeated itself another match where Zverev faded in a critical Grand Slam moment.
By contrast, Djokovic’s physicality and court coverage were astounding, especially for someone approaching 40. His blend of stamina, shot selection, and mental toughness created a performance that defied the limitations of age. “My game is based on running, but at my age it’s not so easy to run so much,” he admitted afterwards. Still, his tactical use of drop shots and ability to control tempo demonstrated that experience often outweighs youth.
This victory not only reinforces Djokovic’s enduring greatness but also sets up a mouth-watering clash with the sport’s brightest rising star. Whether or not he goes on to lift another trophy, Djokovic’s run in Paris serves as a powerful reminder of why he continues to defy expectations and inspire awe.
