Novak Djokovic roars back: Knocks out Alexander Zverev in Roland Garros, lock in semifinal with Sinner

Novak Djokovic sent a clear message, eliminating world No. 3 Alexander Zverev and advancing to the Roland Garros semifinals. The 24-time Grand Slam champion delivered another remarkable performance, stamping his authority as a title contender with a comeback victory of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

The Serbian has been in a state of grace for weeks, but if there were any remaining doubts about his competitiveness, a masterclass against Zverev has surely dispelled them. Nole is on his way to a 25th major title, but first, he faces an even greater task: none other than world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

The first set initially tilted in Zverev's favor, as he secured an early break and quickly solidified his serve. Both players defended their service games without too many problems. At 4-3, Djokovic had a break point that could have allowed him to equalize, but Zverev escaped trouble, managing to close out the set minutes later, 6-4.

'Sascha' was especially consistent with his first serve (62% in, winning 94% of them), against Nole's 52% first serve in, of which he won 85%. Despite being a tight set, Zverev won the important points, converted the break point he had, and saved the one he faced.

Zverev's early lead certainly didn't intimidate Nole, who once again created break opportunities early in the second set. This time, Djokovic secured the break in the 4th game and took a 3-1 lead. Zverev pushed for a break back – in the longest game of the match so far – but Nole showed his class, clinging to his serve and dominating the set from there.

Djokovic's first-serve numbers improved to 76% first serve in, which was key to dominating his opponent. He also reduced unforced errors and was more consistent on return. Similar to the first set, an early break was enough to decide the set, this time in Djokovic's favor, 6-4.

The battle was on, and at the start of the third set, both knew they were at a crucial point in the match. They held their serves until 2-2, at which point things began to shift in Djokovic's favor. A contested game ending in a break for Nole rattled Zverev, who deflated in the latter half of the set.

Djokovic went from being down 1-2 to winning five consecutive games – including two breaks from three chances he had – and took a comfortable 6-2 set. The Serbian had won 15 of the last 17 points played in the set, looking vastly superior to his opponent.

Despite an adverse start for Djokovic in the match, the conviction that he could win was now firmly established. True to his class, he capitalized on the momentum at the start of the fourth set, securing an early break, then advancing to 2-0 with his serve. Djokovic strung together seven consecutive games before Zverev could finally win a service game again, making it 1-2 and holding onto hope of extending the match.

Zverev's efforts were largely in vain; in the 6th game, he squandered another break opportunity. Everything intensified when Djokovic had the responsibility to close out the match. He was at 5-4 and squandered four match points, but finally managed to clinch the victory, probably his best win of the season: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

The former world No. 1 will now seek a spot in the Roland Garros final this Friday against none other than Jannik Sinner.