Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning against Germany’s Alexander Zverev at the end of … More
AFP via Getty Images
Novak Djokovic will attempt to make history in more ways than one at Roland Garros.
The 38-year-old Serb is seeking a record 25th major title and now stands two victories away after taking out Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open quarterfinals.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is to win the title he will have to beat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner – he of the 19-match Grand Slam winning streak – in the semifinals and then likely No. 2 and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final.
No man has defeated the top 3 ranked players to win a Grand Slam tournament in the history of the ATP rankings.
Djokovic is also bidding to become the oldest man ever to win a major singles title.
Djokovic and Sinner are 4-4 in their head-to-head.
“I mean, the guy [has]
won 24 Grand Slams,” Zverev told reporters before their clash. “He’s never going to be a dark horse.
“He definitely knows what it means to be on the big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.
“For me, Carlos [Alcaraz] is the favorite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik [Sinner], myself and Novak, right?
“I still believe that. Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all.”
The Serb was forced to retire from his semifinal clash with Zverev at the Australian Open in January due to a muscle tear in his left leg. Sinner then went on to beat Zverev in straight sets the final for his second straight hardcourt major title.
Of his latest win over Zverev, Djokovic said: “Evidently there was a lot of pressure at the end, Zverev has been one of the best players in the world over the past six years. Matches like this tonight are the reason why I still want to play and compete.”
