Overview of the Season
German tennis star Alexander Zverev has criticized the media for prematurely dismissing Novak Djokovic following his defeat to the Serbian at the Roland Garros tournament. Djokovic, a seasoned champion, has faced significant hurdles this season, starting his year without a title in the first few months and ultimately parting ways with his coach Andy Murray after a partnership that began in 2025.
Djokovic’s Comeback
In an effort to regain form, Djokovic participated in the Geneva Open just prior to the French Open, where he achieved a memorable milestone by capturing his 100th career title with a victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the final. This successful outing rejuvenated his confidence and momentum leading up to Roland Garros, where he impressively progressed through his initial matches without losing a single set.
Zverev’s Journey
Zverev, who was the runner-up the previous year and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, faced Djokovic in a highly anticipated night match on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Although Zverev lost the first set 4-6, he rallied to win the next three sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, showcasing his aggression and tenacity that secured him a spot in the semifinals.
Critique of Media and Personal Reflections
Despite Djokovic’s inconsistent performance earlier in the year, Zverev defended him against critics who expressed surprise at his competitive level. He reminded observers of Djokovic’s recent achievements, including a significant win over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open.
“I think at the moment he’s a bit underrated, to be honest. People are too quick to count him out. His victories against top players show he’s still a force to reckon with,”
Zverev stated.
Ironic Rankings and Performance Issues
Yet, Zverev himself displayed some irony in his pre-match assessments, having previously ranked Djokovic as just the fourth-favorite for the tournament title, placing Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and himself ahead of him. While intent on showing respect, this assessment may have come off as overly self-assured, considering Zverev has yet to capture a Grand Slam title himself.
The reason for Zverev’s struggles in reaching that elusive major victory was once again evident in his match against Djokovic, as his overly cautious play was highlighted. Many in the tennis community, including Roger Federer, have pointed out Zverev’s tendency to adopt a defensive strategy in crucial moments.
Conclusion
Zverev acknowledged Federer’s critique, yet his loss to Djokovic served as a stark reminder that he still needs to embrace a more assertive approach on the court if he hopes to realize his full potential during high-stakes matches.
