McEnroe Sounds Off: Djokovic & Zverev’s Roland Garros Chances

As the 2025 French Open gets underway, tennis analysts and fans alike are dissecting the chances of the top contenders. Among those offering his insights is none other than the legendary John McEnroe, who has weighed in on the prospects of Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. Here’s a breakdown of what McEnroe and others are saying about their potential performance in the tournament.

Novak Djokovic: Age, Motivation, and the Quest for a 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic, who turned 38 on Thursday, May 22, 2025, is aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title. However, McEnroe has pointed out that Djokovic has seemed “short of motivation” recently. This sentiment is echoed by other analysts, who note that the Serbian great hasn’t been at his dominant best.

McEnroe’s Perspective

McEnroe acknowledged Djokovic’s age and recent form but cautioned against writing him off completely. “Of course, he’s 38…he’s too old, and, you know, like LeBron [James, age has] caught up to him or whatever, but you don’t count him out until the day they retire,” McEnroe stated. He added that Djokovic could potentially face a challenging path to the title, including matches against Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic’s Draw and Path to the Final

Despite concerns about his form, Djokovic has received a favorable draw, which some analysts have described as “incredibly easy”. His path to the final includes a first-round match against Mackenzie McDonald, followed by potential encounters with a qualifier or Corentin Moutet in the second round, and possibly Denis Shapovalov or Yunchaokete Bu in the third round. A potential fourth-round matchup could be against Daniil Medvedev, Ugo Humbert, or Stan Wawrinka.

In the quarterfinals, Djokovic might face Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, or Felix Auger Aliassime. The semifinals could see him up against top-ranked Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper, or Andrey Rublev. Should he reach the final, potential opponents include Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, or Casper Ruud.

Fitness Concerns

One of the main challenges for Djokovic at Roland Garros will be his physical fitness. According to analysts, his ability to endure grueling five-set matches over two weeks will be crucial. McEnroe has also highlighted the unfortunate scheduling decisions that have impacted Djokovic in the past, such as late-night matches that led to early morning finishes and subsequent knee issues.

Betting Odds and Expert Opinions

Despite the concerns, Djokovic remains a contender, with betting odds placing him among the top favorites. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, his odds stand at +1200, putting him behind Carlos Alcaraz (+100) and Jannik Sinner (+210). McEnroe believes that Djokovic shouldn’t be counted out, suggesting that he would still be a “third favorite” to win the title.

Alexander Zverev: Regaining Confidence and Aiming for a First Grand Slam

Alexander Zverev, the German third seed, enters the French Open with a strong track record on clay, having reached at least the semi-finals in the past four editions in Paris. McEnroe noted that Zverev “is not playing with the same confidence that he’s played with,” which could be a factor in his performance.

Zverev’s Recent Form and Confidence

Zverev has been regaining confidence after falling short of a first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier in the year. Despite this, he has shown glimpses of his potential, including reaching the final of the French Open in the previous year, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.

Zverev’s Draw and Potential Opponents

Zverev’s draw places him in a reasonable quarter alongside Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. He starts his campaign against Learner Tien in the first round, with potential matchups against Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerundolo in the later rounds.

Betting Odds and Analysis

Zverev’s odds to win the French Open are around +1500 to +1800, according to various sportsbooks. CBSSports.com notes that this price is worth considering, given his runner-up finish in the previous year and his favorable draw. Stats Insider gives Zverev an 88% chance of winning his first-round match against Learner Tien.

Zverev’s Perspective

Zverev remains confident in his abilities, stating that he feels “closer than ever” to winning a Grand Slam. He emphasized his love for the sport and his dedication to training, expressing that he will continue playing as long as he enjoys it.

Other Contenders and the Open Field

With Rafael Nadal’s retirement, the 2025 French Open presents an opportunity for a new “King of Clay” to emerge. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are considered the top favorites, but other players like Casper Ruud, Lorenzo Musetti, and Jack Draper could also mount a challenge.

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion and the top favorite to win the French Open again. He has demonstrated his dominance on clay, including a victory over Jannik Sinner in Rome.

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner, the world number one, is another strong contender. He reached the final of the Italian Open and has shown the variety and power needed to challenge Alcaraz.

Other Players to Watch

Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open runner-up, and Lorenzo Musetti, known for his elegant play on clay, are also players to watch. Jack Draper has shown promise on clay, reaching the final in Madrid and the quarter-finals in Rome.

Conclusion: An Open Tournament with Intriguing Storylines

The 2025 French Open promises to be an exciting tournament with several intriguing storylines. Whether Novak Djokovic can defy age and motivation concerns, or Alexander Zverev can finally break through for his first Grand Slam title, remains to be seen. With top contenders like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the mix, and the absence of Rafael Nadal, this year’s Roland Garros is set to be a thrilling competition. As McEnroe aptly puts it, “You don’t count [Djokovic] out until the day they retire,” and Zverev’s determination to win a Slam makes him a formidable opponent. The stage is set for a captivating two weeks of tennis.