Novak Djokovic powered into his record-extending 51st Grand Slam semi-final, overcoming third seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 at the French Open, keeping his dream of a historic 25th major title alive.

The 38-year-old Serb, a three-time Roland Garros champion, will face world number one Jannik Sinner on Friday.

Zverev, the 2024 finalist, struck first, breaking Djokovic in the opening game. But the sixth seed regained control, holding serve throughout and surviving a grueling 41-shot rally to fend off a break point in the fourth set.

“Running is my game, but at my age, it’s tougher,” Djokovic admitted, becoming the second-oldest man to reach the French Open semi-finals.

“Every match is a battle, but I’m ready for Sinner,” he said.

Sinner, yet to drop a set in Paris, cruised past Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik 6-1, 7-5, 6-0, halting the 62nd-ranked player’s surprising run.

The Italian, chasing his first Roland Garros crown after a five-set semi-final loss to Carlos Alcaraz last year, looms as a formidable opponent.

The winner of Djokovic-Sinner will face either defending champion Alcaraz or eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the final.

As Djokovic eyes another milestone, Sinner’s flawless form sets the stage for a thrilling showdown on the Paris clay.

Source: BBC

SMS/