Alexander Zverev has one question for Novak Djokovic ahead of the French Open, ‘I can’t answer that’

Follow us on Google Discover

Alexander Zverev continues his preparation for the French Open at the Italian Open, where there was no appearance from Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has opted to skip the Italian Open, with the Serbian having lost his opening matches at the Madrid Open and Monte Carlo Masters.

But Djokovic is taking on the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 tournament that gets underway in Switzerland later this month.

Zverev meanwhile has soared into the last 16 of the Italian Open, where the second seed takes on Arthur Fils.

He has yet to drop a set at the ATP Masters 1000 event, having knocked out Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Vilius Gaubas.

Alexander Zverev questions if Novak Djokovic wants to ‘put in the work’ to win French Open

Both tournaments lead into the French Open, with Zverev asked after his latest win if he thinks Djokovic still has what it takes to win the Grand Slam.

In defence of the Serbian’s absence on the ATP Tour of late, the German said: “Only here that he pulled out, right?

READ MORE: Andy Roddick has spotted a big change with Novak Djokovic now compared to his early career and says no other player has managed it

“He played all the other tournaments. Maybe he didn’t play up to his standard or his liking, but who does sometimes?

“If you’re not winning the tournament, if you’re a top guy and you’re not winning the tournament, you always go home a little bit p—– and a little bit upset.

“I still believe once he finds his game, he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the world. There’s no question about his ability at all.

“It’s more whether he still wants to. It’s more whether he still wants to put in the work. That’s a question to him. I can’t answer that. His tennis ability is above everyone else’s.”

Novak Djokovic 2025 vs career stats as French Open nears

Djokovic is a serial winner, and simply cannot be criticised at this stage of his career given all that he has won.

Now 37, he is certainly not the player he used to be, but the veteran remains top of the pile for men’s Grand Slam titles.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic drops retirement hint as he says how his level has changed over the years

He boasts a stunning 24 Grand Slam titles, ahead of the likes of fellow legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic is also a 99-time ATP Tour champion, and will more than likely be desperate to finally get that elusive 100th win.

Among his stunning honours list are three French Open titles, a tournament the tennis superstar last won in 2023.

Since that success over Casper Ruud, he has won the US Open and lost two Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz.