Novak Djokovic believes his quarter-final victory over Alexander Zverev at the French Open shows he still has what it takes to compete against the very best. 

Djokovic booked his place in the final four at Roland-Garros with a 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory over third seed Zverev, setting up a clash with world number one Jannik Sinner. 

Aged 38 years and three days, Djokovic became the second-oldest player in the Open Era to reach a men's singles semi-final at Roland-Garros, only younger than Richard Gonzales (40 years and 18 days, 1968).

By downing third seed Zverev, Djokovic – the sixth seed at this edition of Roland-Garros – brought up his 10th career top-five victory at the French Open.

Having also managed 18 victories over top-five players at the Australian Open, Djokovic is the first man to register 10 or more such wins at multiple grand slams since the ATP rankings were founded in 1973.

Djokovic has failed to win a grand slam since the 2023 US Open, but his appetite for a record-extending 25th major title has seen him continue to challenge in the latter stages of those tournaments. 

At the Australian Open, Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semi-finals, although the physical exertions led to a hamstring tear which meant he had to retire injured against Zverev in the last-four encounter.

2 - Novak Djokovic (38 years and three days) is the second-oldest player in the Open Era to reach a Men’s Singles semi-final at Roland Garros, younger than only Richard Gonzales (40 years and 18 days, 1968). Unblemished. #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/CRPKinXaNT

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) June 4, 2025

Nevertheless, Djokovic believed it showed he still had the desire and capability to beat the younger generation over the five-set format.

"I think the win against Alcaraz and against Zverev tonight proves to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level," Djokovic said.

"I just thrive on these occasions. This is where I lock in and really give my best."

Djokovic, who has three Roland-Garros titles, lost the opening set to 2024 runner-up Zverev after being broken in the first game of the match.

But the Serbian did not drop serve again, although he had to survive a 41-shot exchange on break point at 3-2 in the fourth set on his way to sealing a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semi-final appearance.

"My way of playing is based on running, but at my age it's not so easy to run so much. I tried to impose my rhythm with one or two drop shots," he added. 

"Tonight is one of those reasons why I still keep playing."