24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the French Open 2025 with a commanding performance. On Wednesday, June 4, the 38-year-old defeated last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The Serb took three hours and 17 minutes to overcome the German and secure his place in a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semi-final.

Djokovic also became the oldest player in 57 years to reach the French Open semi-finals, a feat last achieved by Richard Gonzales in 1968 at the age of 40 years and 18 days. After suffering four first-round exits earlier this year, Djokovic appeared out of rhythm, but has staged an impressive comeback in Paris, keeping his hopes alive for a 25th major title – his first since the 2023 US Open.

Zverev started strong, breaking Djokovic early to go 2-0 up and eventually taking the opening set — the first set Djokovic dropped in the tournament. But from the second set onwards, Djokovic raised his level and did not allow Zverev another break of serve for the rest of the match.

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Speaking after the win, Djokovic said he had to mix things up and effectively deploy drop shots to keep Zverev guessing.

“Especially during the last game, my tactic was just to play drop shots. So I played three or four in a row Maybe you can’t see it on TV, but there is a lot of wind from one side, so it gives the sensation that you must hit twice as hard. It was important to vary the game,” Djokovic said in the on-court interview.

Zverev was let down by his inconsistency, committing 42 unforced errors despite hitting 38 winners – just four fewer than Djokovic’s tally.

In the semi-finals, Djokovic faces a formidable challenge in World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who cruised past Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik with a dominant 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 victory in the quarter-finals.