Alexander Zverev asked if Novak Djokovic is a French Open ‘black horse or favourite’
Alexander Zverev has named his favourite to win the French Open title and revealed where he ranks Novak Djokovic ahead of his showdown with the great Serb.
The world No 3 will face Grand Slam record-holder Djokovic in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday.
The German holds a 5-8 record from his 13 encounters against Djokovic, with the pair’s first match in 2017 and the most recent in January this year.
Zverev progressed to the last eight when opponent Tallon Griekspoor was forced to retire due to injury when trailing 4-6, 0-3 in the pair’s fourth round match.
Djokovic crushed Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the last 16 to continue his dominant run. The 38-year-old has not dropped a set in his four matches.
Asked if Djokovic is a favourite or a “black horse” (dark horse) after reaching the quarter-finals, Zverev shook his head before giving a clear answer.
“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He’s never gonna be a black horse,” the 28-year-old said in his press conference after beating Griekspoor.
“He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on a big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.
“Of course, until this moment, I had to focus on my matches. Now, from this moment onwards, I have to focus on Novak. Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse.”
Zverev added: “For me, Carlos [Alcaraz] is the favourite. I’ve said that before. And then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak. I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience, Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all.
“I think from now on, I have the toughest draw in the tournament. So I’m looking forward to the battles ahead. I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”
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The three-time major finalist also addressed what has changed since his 5-7, 2-6, 2-6 quarter-final loss to Djokovic at the 2019 French Open.
“I mean, he was much better than me back then, I would say. Especially on Grand Slam level,”
“We played a close first set I think and then he beat me quite easily after that.
“But we played a lot of matches since then, we played at Grand Slams since then. We’ve had a lot of tough battles. I’ve had a lot of great wins against him, I’ve had a lot of tough losses against him.
“We have great history in our rivalry, I would say. I’m looking forward to the match and it’s always a privilege to be on court with him.”
Zverev is chasing his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, having been a runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at last year’s edition of the tournament.
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