Novak Djokovic is into the Roland Garros semi-finals after defeating Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4.
The Serb is into his 13th Roland Garros semi-final after overcoming a poor start to the match against Zverev.
After winning the first set, Zverev did very little to affect the match as he failed to capitalise on Djokovic’s shortcomings.
Now Djokovic will play world number one Jannik Sinner for a place in the final.
Despite the win, it was Zverev who made the best start as he won the early exchanges from the baseline to take an early 2-0 lead.
Despite some fantastic moments, Djokovic wasn’t able to consistently trouble Zverev and decided that changing his racket would change his fortunes.
The Serb was able to get more success on serve, being aggressive and using the dropshot effectively.
However, Zverev was still being aggressive off the first serve and dictated most of the set with some gruelling baseline shots.
Eventually Djokovic was able to get some success on return in the eighth game as he created break point with some good work off the forehand side.
The German was fearless in the long rallies and a 29 shot rally ended with a Djokovic slice going long as Zverev saved break point and held for a 5-3 lead.
Although Djokovic wasn’t troubled on serve, the Serb was powerless on return and an a first ace of the match from Zverev powered him to the opening set in 47 minutes.
In the second set, Djokovic was much more proactive on return as he used a mixture of power and creativity to get the better of Zverev in the longer exchanges.
There was more pressure on the Serb as he forced Zverev into erratic errors in order to break for a 3-1 lead.
A red-hot Djokovic was in fine form reaching incredible shots from the baseline and had opportunities for the double break lead.
This didn’t phase Zverev who continued to use his big serve to edge to a service hold at 2-4 and would continue to apply pressure on Djokovic’s serve.
However, Djokovic saved break points and an immaculate dropshot levelled the match at one set all with both players looking to catch their breath at the change of ends.
The third set saw Djokovic continue to take control of the rallies despite Zverev’s aggressive start to the set.
A masterclass in redirecting attacks and controlling the play with Zverev being left frustrated and ultimately lacked conditioning to keep up with Djokovic.
Two quick breaks neutralised Zverev as the Serb cruised to a two set to one lead with the German failing to adapt tactically to the task in front of him.
In the fourth set Djokovic continued to make life difficult as Zverev continued to be frustrated by his erratic errors.
A break in the first game boosted Djokovic’s confidence but the Serb’s work was not done yet as Zverev was boosted by success inside the baseline half-way through the set.
Creating break point, Zverev’s morale was on the high as he started to find his game again especially with the forehand.
However, that morale was diminished as Djokovic won a 41 shot rally to save break point and secure a crucial hold of serve for 4-2.
There would be more pressure from Zverev in the final game as he forced Djokovic to his limits.
The serve and volley would work perfectly for Djokovic with the Serb eventually clinching the match on his fifth match point.
Next for Djokovic is a date with world number one Jannik Sinner on Friday in the semi-finals.
