A month ago, Novak Djokovic was winless in three matches. He suffered two first-round losses on clay. Whispers grew that his best days were behind him. Yet, he persevered. He finally captured his 100th career title at the Geneva Open. Arriving in Paris, he defied doubts at Roland Garros, where he’s already a three-time champion. How does he feel about his campaign heading into his 19th quarterfinal at Roland Garros?
“So far, so good! I know I can always play better, do better, and there are certain things I still want to do before my next challenge and next match. Again, I was quite solid when I needed to be and played really good tennis in important moments.” That’s what Novak told TNT Sports. The Serb has truly outdone himself at the tournament. He hasn’t dropped a set against tough competition in previous rounds. What’s Nole’s motivation for this tournament, though?
Of course, he’s got his eyes on the 25th Grand Slam title, but there’s more to it! He said, “I don’t want this to sound cocky, but every time I get out on the court now, it is some history in the lines, so of course, I’m in a very privileged position. And history motivates me; that’s definitely always my goal, or objective, or desire to wish to make more records or extend the records that I already made.”
“So far, so good”
Novak Djokovic analyses his route to the Quarter Finals so far, and his chances ahead of his tie with Zverev.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/YkdBTs3dap
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) June 4, 2025
Djokovic has cemented his status as a clay-court force at Roland Garros. He won titles in 2016, 2021, and 2023. He’s the oldest French Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era. He holds the record for most quarterfinal appearances at a single Grand Slam—19 at the French Open. Not to mention, he boasts over 100 match wins (100-16 record) in Paris.
He acknowledges this as he sets up his next match against Alexander Zverev, whom he faced in the Australian Open semifinals. That time, Nole had to retire after losing the first set due to a hamstring injury. Now, he’s back in form and ready to challenge Zverev again. His take on facing the German?
He said, “He’s as good as you can get at Roland Garros. He’s been playing terrific tennis, and yes, he’s been struggling with his form this year to keep the consistency with so many losses, but I think he peaks in Slams and he’s got all the goods to be a Grand Slam winner, and hopefully not this tournament, but maybe some other week, some other tournament.”
The two are currently in the middle of their match. Who will triumph this time around? Only time will tell!
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