Is Djokovic Underrated After Zverev's Loss in the French Open Semifinal?
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Synopsis
In the aftermath of his defeat to Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev calls the Serbian star underrated. As Djokovic aims for his 25th Grand Slam title, Zverev highlights his impressive victories this year, challenging perceptions about age and competition at the highest levels. Will Djokovic prove doubters wrong again?
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic's comeback showcases his resilience.
- Zverev's insights highlight the misconceptions about Djokovic's age.
- Historic potential for Djokovic in the semifinals.
- Respect for veteran players is crucial in sports.
- Performance can defy expectations regardless of age.
Paris, June 5 (NationPress) After being defeated by Novak Djokovic in the French Open semifinal, last year's finalist Alexander Zverev took a moment to reflect on his loss to the three-time Roland Garros champion, describing the Serbian legend as an "underrated player".
The 24-time major title holder Djokovic, who faced consecutive first-round losses at the start of the clay-court season, has found his peak form just in time for his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th major trophy.
Entering Paris, Djokovic was not viewed as the top favorite, yet he executed a tactically proficient performance to secure a victory of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, marking his place in a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semifinal.
“I believe he is a bit underrated at the moment,” Zverev remarked about Djokovic. “It's amusing you mention that, but many seem to have counted him out already. However, this year he has notable victories over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open and myself at the French Open. Age aside, those are impressive results for any athlete. He continues to defeat the best, and that deserves respect,” Zverev stated as reported by ATP Tour.
The last encounter between Djokovic and Zverev left Djokovic exiting the court somberly due to an injury that ended their Australian Open semifinal prematurely.
However, on Wednesday night in Paris, after an intense three-hour match on court Philippe-Chatrier, the 24-time Grand Slam champion came back from a set down, keeping his chase for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title alive as he moved into the semifinals.
“He has won 24 of these titles. I expected him to perform at this level. Yet, I haven't witnessed him play like this during the season until now. It was an exceptionally high level from him, and at times I found it quite challenging. In the first set, while the sun was still up, I felt I could hit winners and serve effectively. But as the temperature dropped significantly, I struggled to maintain my game,” Zverev added.
Djokovic, who arrived in Paris after winning the title in Geneva, awaits a semifinal match against top seed Jannik Sinner. If he wins that match and if No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz defeats Lorenzo Musetti in the other semifinal, Djokovic could achieve a historic milestone. No male player has ever defeated the top three ranked players to win a Grand Slam tournament in ATP history.
Point of View
I believe that Alexander Zverev's comments on Novak Djokovic reflect a broader narrative in sports: the tendency to overlook champions who continue to perform at elite levels. Djokovic's resilience and strategic brilliance in high-stakes matches reaffirm his status as a formidable competitor, irrespective of age. This ongoing saga in tennis illustrates the intricacies of competition and the need for respect towards seasoned athletes.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zverev call Djokovic underrated?
Zverev believes many have prematurely counted Djokovic out, despite his significant victories this year, highlighting his capacity to compete successfully against top players.
What are Djokovic's achievements?
Djokovic is a 24-time major champion and has won the French Open three times, showcasing his elite level of play across various surfaces.
What is at stake for Djokovic in the semifinals?
If Djokovic wins against Jannik Sinner, he has a chance to make history by defeating the top three players in a Grand Slam tournament, a feat never accomplished before.
How did Djokovic perform in the semifinal against Zverev?
Djokovic came back from a set down to win the match against Zverev, demonstrating his resilience and tactical prowess.
What does Zverev say about Djokovic's performance level?
Zverev expressed that Djokovic played at a very high level, challenging him, especially as the conditions changed during the match.
