Alexander Zverev has asserted that Novak Djokovic is “still one of the most dangerous players in the world” as he weighed in on his rival’s French Open chances.
Djokovic has accepted a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament in Geneva, which will run from May 18 to 24 in the week before Roland Garros.
The world No 6 will be seeking a fourth French Open crown and record-extending 25th Grand Slam overall at the clay-court major.
The Serbian holds a 0-2 record on clay this season having suffered straight-set losses in his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi respectively.
Djokovic withdrew from the Italian Open, and he has not won a match since his Miami Open semi-final victory over Grigor Dimitrov in March.
Zverev, who is competing in Rome, was asked if Djokovic “still has what it takes” to win Roland Garros as a journalist claimed the Serb has been “conspicuously absent from the tour the last couple weeks.”
“Only here that he pulled out, right? He played all the other tournaments,” the German said in his press conference after beating Vilius Gaubas in the third round of Italian Open.
“Maybe he didn’t play up to his standard or his liking, but who does sometimes? If you’re not winning the tournament, if you’re a top guy and you’re not winning the tournament, you always go home a little bit p**sed and a little bit upset.
Novak Djokovic News
Chris Evert gives her verdict Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam prospects
Novak Djokovic facing threat of a new rankings slide and it may be terminal
“I still believe once he finds his game, he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the world. There’s no question about his ability at all.
“It’s more whether he still wants to. It’s more whether he still wants to put in the work. That’s a question to him. I can’t answer that. His tennis ability is above everyone else’s.”
Zverev holds a 5-8 record against Djokovic having prevailed in the pair’s most recent clash in the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals when the Serbian was forced to retire with an injury.
The world No 2 also reaffirmed the fact that winning the French Open remains his biggest ambition.
“Yeah, I mean, Roland Garros is my main goal, that’s for sure. I’ve said that last year. I think the Grand Slams are my main targets,” Zverev explained.
“In Australia, I was in the finals. Of course it was very bitter, just sad for me to lose the way I lost in Australia. But luckily we have four chances a year.
“For me, Roland Garros is always kind of the one I’m looking forward to the most. I hope I can play good tennis there, yeah, just show my strengths.”
Zverev is the defending champion in Rome, where he will face world No 14 Arthur Fils in the fourth round.
READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic’s doubters given a firm reminder by world No 1 ahead of French Open
The post Alexander Zverev makes strong statement as he is asked if Novak Djokovic can win the French Open appeared first on Tennis365.
Leave a Reply