As the 2025 French Open intensifies, all eyes are on the quarterfinal showdown between Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. However, before stepping onto the court to face the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Zverev has made a surprising declaration about who he believes is the favorite to win the title.
Zverev vs. Djokovic: A Quarterfinal Clash
The match between third seed Alexander Zverev and sixth seed Novak Djokovic is one of the most highly anticipated of the tournament. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Stade Roland Garros, the quarterfinal promises a thrilling contest between two of the sport’s top players.
Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, is aiming to go further than his runner-up finish at last year’s French Open. Djokovic, despite his lower seeding, is always a formidable opponent, especially with his track record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
Head-to-Head Record
The two players have a rich history, having faced each other 13 times previously. Djokovic holds an 8-5 advantage in their head-to-head record. However, they are 1-1 on clay, adding extra intrigue to their upcoming match. Their last encounter was at the Australian Open earlier this year, where Zverev won after Djokovic retired due to injury.
Their only previous French Open encounter was in 2019, where Djokovic won in straight sets.
Zverev’s Journey to the Quarterfinals
Zverev’s path to the quarter-finals has been relatively smooth. He started his French Open campaign with a win against Learner Tien and followed it up with victories against Jesper de Jong and Flavio Cobolli. In the fourth round, he advanced after Tallon Griekspoor retired due to injury.
Djokovic’s Road to the Quarterfinals
Djokovic has had a strong showing at the tournament so far, reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set.
Alcaraz: Zverev’s Top Pick
Despite acknowledging Djokovic’s prowess, Zverev has boldly declared Carlos Alcaraz as his favorite to win the French Open title. He stated that while Djokovic is undoubtedly a contender, Alcaraz stands out as the top pick.
In a press conference, Zverev dismissed any notion of Djokovic being a “dark horse,” emphasizing his extensive Grand Slam record and expertise on the court.
Zverev’s Ranking of Top Contenders
Zverev placed himself, Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner behind Alcaraz in terms of their chances of winning the tournament.
Djokovic: An “Unstoppable Force”
Zverev has also described Djokovic as an “unstoppable force,” recognizing his capabilities and experience in major matches. He acknowledged Djokovic’s superiority in their previous encounters and anticipates a challenging battle in their upcoming quarterfinal.
Respect for Djokovic
Zverev has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete against one of the best players in the sport. He also defended Djokovic when the crowd booed him after his retirement at the Australian Open, reminding them of his achievements and the respect he deserves.
Expert Predictions
Tennis experts have weighed in on the Zverev vs. Djokovic quarterfinal, with many predicting a close match.
One prediction suggests that Zverev will win in five sets, citing his strong form and Djokovic’s recent performances.
Key Match Details
- Fixture: (3) Alexander Zverev vs (6) Novak Djokovic
- Date: June 4, 2025
- Tournament: French Open
- Round: Quarterfinal
- Venue: Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
- Surface: Clay
- Live Telecast: USA – TNT Sports, TruTV, HBO Max | UK – Eurosport | Canada – TSN, RDS
The Road Ahead
The winner of the Zverev vs. Djokovic quarterfinal will face a challenging path to the title. Potential opponents in the later stages of the tournament include world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Other Quarterfinal Matchups
The other quarterfinal matches include:
- Jannik Sinner vs. Alexander Bublik
- Carlos Alcaraz vs. Tommy Paul
- Lorenzo Musetti vs. Frances Tiafoe
Conclusion
As Alexander Zverev prepares to face Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarterfinal, his bold declaration about Carlos Alcaraz being the favorite has added an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. While acknowledging Djokovic’s greatness, Zverev’s pick reflects the confidence and ambition he brings to Roland Garros this year.
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