Djokovic Advances to French Open Semifinals with Win Over Zverev

Novak Djokovic battles past Alexander Zverev in a thrilling quarterfinal match to advance to the French Open semifinals. Read more about his record-breaking quest.

Novak Djokovic advanced to the French Open semifinals, setting up a clash with Jannik Sinner, after a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev. The match, played in a thrilling night session, lasted over three hours and showcased Djokovic's determination as he battled for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic, the sixth seed, advances to the French Open semifinals to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who earlier defeated Alexander Bublik in straight sets. After his win over Alexander Zverev, Djokovic expressed his love for the sport, saying, “Matches like this is one of the reasons I carry on playing and I love the competition.”

A classic performance from Novak Djokovic! pic.twitter.com/92BDRfUv8g

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 4, 2025

Alexander Zverev dominated the first set, breaking Novak Djokovic in the opening game and successfully holding his serve to take the set 6-4. The rest of the set saw just one other break point, which Zverev saved. This marked the first time Djokovic had dropped a set at the French Open this year, but the 24-time major winner didn't let it faze him.

The second set saw a shift in momentum as Novak Djokovic broke Alexander Zverev at 3-1 after Zverev's backhand sailed long. The next game was a grueling affair, reaching deuce and lasting nearly nine minutes, but Djokovic held firm, sealing the game with an ace to maintain his lead.

The second set mirrored the first, with Alexander Zverev fighting hard but struggling to create break opportunities on Novak Djokovic's serve. Djokovic ultimately sealed the set 6-3, thanks to a thrilling rally that ended with a perfectly executed backhand drop-shot, showcasing his skill and finesse.

Novak Djokovic seized control in the third set, breaking Alexander Zverev in the fifth game with a clever drop shot that earned him advantage. Zverev's forehand subsequently landed out, giving Djokovic the break. The Serb extended his lead when Zverev's volley sailed long, leaving him stranded in the service box as Djokovic won the point.

Reminder: Novak Djokovic is 38-years-old 🤯@DjokerNole #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/FmpK2X5cl6

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 4, 2025

The momentum shift in Djokovic's favor seemed to unsettle Alexander Zverev, who started the next game with a failed drop shot that landed in the net, allowing Djokovic to take a 5-3 lead. Djokovic continued his dominance in the fourth set, breaking Zverev early. He then produced a stunning shot, whipping a cross-court forehand past Zverev to save a break point in a 41-shot rally that Zverev appeared poised to win multiple times, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Alexander Zverev's chances of a comeback dwindled when he netted a forehand, passing up a crucial break-back opportunity. Novak Djokovic capitalized on the momentum, sealing his win at the fifth match point and celebrating his 101st French Open victory with a triumphant gesture, raising his arms in celebration.

Alexander Zverev's quarterfinal loss marks the end of a disappointing clay-court season. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up struggled throughout the season, suffering early exits at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, and a quarterfinal loss in Rome.