Novak Djokovic secured a hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev on June 4, setting up a high-stakes semi-final match against Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros. Tennis legend John McEnroe has expressed confidence that Djokovic can prevail if he elevates his performance, noting the challenge posed by the determined Italian star.
Despite being 38 years old, Djokovic has dispelled retirement rumors by continuing to perform at an elite level. After a rocky start to the clay-court season, with early losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he has regained top form at the right moment in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic’s Road to the Roland Garros Semi-Final and Rising Challenge from Sinner
With his recent four-set win over Alexander Zverev, Djokovic earned his 101st victory at the French Open, advancing to the semi-finals. There, he will face Jannik Sinner for a place in the final. The two players share an evenly matched head-to-head record of 4-4, but Djokovic has lost the last three meetings, including a straight-sets defeat in the 2024 Shanghai Masters final.
McEnroe highlighted the impressive level of tennis both players are displaying, saying:
“I’ve been lucky to have this job for 30 years and 20 of them watching this legend do his thing time and time again. It doesn’t surprise me in a way – it amazes me – but it doesn’t surprise me that he’s still able to play at this level, that he wants it still this badly. It’s rather remarkable. As time goes on, even he, you would think it would get tougher for him, but this is going to get a whole lot tougher I’ve got news for you. Sinner’s come to play, he’s playing incredible tennis.” —John McEnroe, Tennis Legend
Djokovic is chasing his fourth Roland Garros crown and a record-extending 25th major title overall, while Sinner aims to secure his first French Open title and fourth Grand Slam victory in total. Their semi-final match is scheduled for Friday, June 6, at the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier, with the winner meeting either Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Musetti in the final round.
Assessing Both Players’ Performances and Match Readiness
Jannik Sinner’s path to the Roland Garros semi-final has been relatively smooth, as he has yet to face a top-10 opponent during the tournament. Sinner was anticipated to confront Jack Draper in the quarter-finals; however, Draper was eliminated by Alexander Bublik in the fourth round. In contrast, Djokovic has faced stiffer competition, including a tough four-set quarter-final match against top-five player Alexander Zverev.
Sinner’s dominance has been notable—he entered the semi-final without dropping a set during the competition. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s quarter-final required more effort, indicating the physical and mental challenges he has faced. McEnroe believes Djokovic needs to exploit his strengths tactically to stand a chance against the Italian, especially given the differences in match rhythm and endurance:
“The path tactically is to do what most guys need to do is just serve big. He’s going to have to use the crowd, which I think will be behind him. He’ll be the underdog coming into the match, and he’s going to have to – believe it or not at 38 – test Sinner, who hasn’t played that much tennis, hasn’t lost a set. The longer it goes, there could be a question of where his fitness is at and if the nerves get to him. So that’s what he’s going to try to do.” —John McEnroe, Tennis Legend
Serving effectively and extending rallies may test Sinner’s fitness and mental toughness, especially since the Italian has not been exposed to as many challenging matches during this Roland Garros. Sinner’s toughest recent contest was a loss to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets at the Rome Masters final, and he also fell to Alcaraz in a five-set semi-final battle at last year’s French Open.
Context of Players’ Recent Form and What to Expect in the Semi-Final
Djokovic’s current form demonstrates resilience, coming back strongly after early defeats in the clay-court season. His ability to maintain high-level play at 38 challenges expectations about athlete longevity in tennis, emphasizing his commitment and physical conditioning. For Sinner, this tournament represents an opportunity to prove himself against one of the greatest players in the sport’s history and claim his first Roland Garros title.
The semi-final at Roland Garros is likely to be a fiercely contested encounter, featuring contrasting styles and strategies. Djokovic will rely on his experience, powerful serving, and crowd support, while Sinner aims to leverage his aggressive baseline play and younger stamina advantage. The winner will advance to face either rising star Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Musetti, promising an intense final between top contenders.
John McEnroe’s insights underline the significance of this match as a test of Djokovic’s ability to adapt and overcome a tough opponent who is playing with confidence and momentum. The outcome will not only shape the path to the Roland Garros title but also signal how Djokovic’s career continues to evolve at an advanced stage for professional tennis.