Djokovic 'Underrated' Amid Bad Run Of Form Says Zverev After Roland Garros Loss
NewsFriday, 06 June 2025 at 11:58
Alexander Zverev slammed the media for writing off Novak Djokovic too soon after the German lost to him at Roland Garros.
Djokovic has endured challenging moments this season, failing to win a title in the opening four months. Those results led to him and Andy Murray ending their coaching partnership, which began at the start of 2025.
The tennis legend competed at the 2025 Geneva Open, held the week before the 2025 French Open, in an attempt to get match practice. That proved to be a great choice, with Djokovic winning his 100th title by winning the final against Hubert Hurkacz.
Djokovic carried that momentum to Roland Garros and did not drop a set in his opening four matches. He then faced Zverev, last year's runner-up and three-time Grand Slam finalist, in the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The former ATP world No. 1 lost the opening set 4-6 before roaring back to triumph 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. He was the more aggressive and courageous player throughout the contest and thoroughly deserved to reach the semifinal.
Despite Djokovic's poor form for much of 2025, Zverev slammed those expressing shock about the 38-year-old's level. He reminded fans that Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets at the 2025 Australian Open.
"Yeah, I think at the moment he’s a bit underrated, to be honest. Funny that you say that. I think a lot of people count him out already. This year, he’s had a win over Alcaraz at the Australian Open and a win over me at the French Open. Forget the age, I think for any player those are pretty good results."
"Of course I’d have to ask him how he feels physically and how he will recover… if he’ll be 100% for the next match, because I do think it was quite a physical match for both of us. But he’s still beating the best of the best. I think everyone needs to respect that."
Zverev makes a valid point because Djokovic has proven his doubters wrong more times than anyone else in tennis history. Those thinking the Serbian has no chance of winning another Grand Slam should think about that more before writing him off.
At the same time, Zverev was arguably guilty of doing the same before the match with Djokovic at Roland Garros. He ranked Djokovic as the fourth-favorite for the title behind Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and himself.
While the Olympic Gold Medalist might have thought he was being respectful by listing Djokovic among the favorites, it seemed somewhat arrogant to rank himself above Djokovic when he has never won a Grand Slam.
The primary reason for Zverev's failure to secure a major title was again shown during his loss to Djokovic. He paid the price for being way too passive and not having the courage to be aggressive and back his considerable talent.
Roger Federer is among those who have said Zverev is too defensive in big matches. The German responded by agreeing with the Swiss maestro's critique, but his loss to Djokovic proved he has yet to truly learn that lesson.
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