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.
Download the Sport365 app to get the fastest Tennis live scores, match updates and news!
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.
