Novak Djokovic claims Alexander Zverev changed tactics against him and explains what he did differently at Roland Garros

Follow us on Google Discover

Novak Djokovic has reached yet another French Open semi-final, having just won his quarter-final meeting with Alexander Zverev.

Zverev has been told he is ‘too passive’ when he needs to be after losing 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 4-6 to Djokovic at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

German ace Zverev reached the French Open final last year, losing to Carlos Alcaraz, having also lost the 2020 US Open final and 2025 Australian Open final.

Djokovic now turns his immediate attention to the semi-finals of a Grand Slam that he has won on three occasions.

He takes on ATP number one Jannik Sinner for a spot in the final of the French Open, which he won most recently in 2023.

Novak Djokovic claims Alexander Zverev changed tactics in their French Open clash

Djokovic has, however, first analysed his victory over Zverev, which he achieved after three hours and 18 minutes.

“That was an exceptional match,” he told Prime Video Sport France. “I think I started with a little bit of tension.

READ MORE: Jim Courier names the former Grand Slam champion who Novak Djokovic reminded him of with his display vs Alexander Zverev

“I lost my serve at the start of the match. It was complicated afterwards to break his serve because Zverev is one of the best players in the world, but above all, his serve is magnificent.

“It has lots of precision, power, high percentage level for a first serve. For his height the movement I think is impeccable.

“So obviously for me the tactic was to do everything I can to make him think of my game. To play an unpredictable game.

“He has also changed his tactics, he was less aggressive but more consistent so he put pressure on me in the exchanges and rallies.

“And finally when I see his last couple of shots which went out it was a big, big relief for me because physically I was really pushed.”

Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner complete head-to-head ahead of Roland Garros semi-final

While Zverev will be analysing where he went wrong against the Serbian, Djokovic can be extremely proud of another huge win.

It represents his 101st victory at the French Open, with the 38-year-old having recently clinched his 100th ATP Tour title.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic says what he’s fully expecting Jannik Sinner to do when they face each other in Roland Garros semi-final

After losing his opening matches at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, the veteran recovered to triumph at the Geneva Open.

Now further Grand Slam glory is on his mind, although a very tough test awaits against world number one Sinner.

The Italian stormed into the semi-finals at Roland Garros after his victory over Alexander Bublik, in which he won 6-1, 7-5, 6-0.

He heads into his next match with a 4-4 head-to-head record with Djokovic, although he has won their last three meetings.

The pair have, however, only met once on clay throughout their stunning careers, with the Serbian winning that tie at Monte Carlo in 2021.

There is a 15-year age gap between the two semi-finalists, but Djokovic will be hoping experience triumphs over the 23-year-old superstar.