June 4, 2025 | Roland Garros, Paris
In a match that swung like a pendulum through intensity, tactics, and tension, Novak Djokovic proved once again why he's considered one of the greatest ever to wield a tennis racquet. The 24-time Grand Slam champion rallied from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 in just under three and a half hours under the roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Set 1: Zverev Strikes First – 6–4
Zverev came out firing, using his powerful first serve to dominate and break Djokovic early. He maintained composure and consistency, winning 85% of points on his first serve. Djokovic looked unusually passive and had trouble reading Zverev's deep, flat shots.
Key Shot: Zverev’s backhand down-the-line was crucial, particularly under pressure points.
Set 2: The Shift – 6–3 Djokovic
Djokovic changed tactics—standing closer to the baseline and using slices and drop shots to pull Zverev forward. The Serbian's first serve percentage rose significantly, and his net play turned the tide.
Key Shot: Angled forehands that dragged Zverev wide, opening the court.
Set 3: Djokovic Dominates – 6–2
Momentum squarely shifted. Djokovic won a 41-shot rally early in the set that broke Zverev's rhythm. Zverev crumbled under the pressure, spraying unforced errors, while Djokovic controlled every aspect of the court.
Key Shot: Running backhand crosscourt winner—classic Djokovic precision.
Set 4: Closing Time – 6–4 Djokovic
Zverev showed grit but couldn’t hold off Djokovic’s mental edge. Amid interruptions from a swarm of midges, Djokovic stayed locked in. A late break at 4–4 was the dagger.
Key Moment: Djokovic outlasted Zverev in a 9-minute game to secure the final break.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic now faces Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. With the head-to-head record tied at 4–4, and Sinner winning their last three matches, the stakes are sky-high. Still, Roland Garros remains Djokovic’s domain, and the battle promises to be epic.