Novak Djokovic advanced his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, overcoming third seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the French Open semifinals. 

The 38-year-old Serbian, a three-time Roland Garros champion, will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Friday in a highly anticipated clash.

Zverev, the 2024 finalist, struck first, breaking Djokovic in the opening game to claim the first set. 

However, Djokovic, the sixth seed, regained control, holding serve throughout the match and enduring a grueling 41-shot rally to fend off a break point at 3-2 in the fourth set. His resilience secured a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semifinal appearance.

“My game relies on movement, but at my age, it’s tougher to keep up the intensity,” said Djokovic, now the second-oldest man to reach the French Open semifinals.

Sinner, meanwhile, powered into the last four with a commanding 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, ending the world No. 62’s surprising run. 

The Italian, yet to drop a set in Paris, is chasing his first French Open title after falling to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set semifinal thriller last year.

Djokovic’s battle-tested performance against Zverev showcased his enduring prowess, while Sinner’s clinical dismantling of Bublik highlighted his dominance on clay. 

Their upcoming semifinal promises a clash of experience versus youth, with the winner advancing to face either defending champion Alcaraz or Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who also compete on Friday.

The Serbian legend’s ability to rebound after a shaky start against Zverev underscores his relentless drive, while Sinner’s flawless tournament run signals his readiness to claim a maiden Roland Garros crown. 

As the semifinals loom, the tennis world awaits a showdown that could redefine the sport’s hierarchy, with Djokovic eyeing history and Sinner poised to cement his ascent.

Source: BBC

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