Novak Djokovic has powered his way into the semifinals of the French Open after defeating Alexander Zverev in a gripping four-set battle under the lights at Roland Garros. The Serbian star, eyeing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, overcame an early stumble to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 and book a high-stakes clash with Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

In a pivotal moment deep into the fourth set, Djokovic faced a break point that could have swung momentum back to Zverev. What followed was a marathon 41-shot rally— the longest of the match—culminating in a blistering forehand winner from the 38-year-old. The rally brought the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier to their feet as Djokovic stood motionless, chest heaving, soaking in the applause.

Despite a challenging season marked by two separate three-match losing streaks and a drop to world No. 6, Djokovic showed once again why he remains a formidable force on tennis’s biggest stages. He now stands just two wins away from extending his record Grand Slam tally.

His next test? The red-hot top seed Jannik Sinner, who has bulldozed his way through the draw without dropping a set. Earlier on Wednesday, the 23-year-old made light work of Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, winning 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. In five matches, Sinner has surrendered only 36 games and currently holds a 19-match unbeaten streak at Grand Slam events.

Friday’s semifinal promises to be a showdown of eras — Djokovic, the most decorated player in the history of men’s tennis, versus Sinner, the rising star dominating the present. The two are evenly matched in head-to-head encounters at 4-4, though Sinner has claimed victory in their last three meetings.

Djokovic, now the second-oldest man ever to reach the semifinals in Paris, continues to add to his legendary résumé. With 51 major semifinal appearances and more weeks at world No. 1 than anyone in history, his legacy is already unparalleled.

On the other side, Sinner comes in with momentum and confidence. The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion has won his last 26 sets at Grand Slams, a streak that underscores his transformation into one of the game’s elite.

“He’s playing fast. He’s playing smart,” said Bublik after his defeat. “He’s in another dimension with all the aspects of the game.”

The stage is set for a generational clash — Djokovic’s greatness vs. Sinner’s now.


By Wafricnews Sports Desk