Novak Djokovic made a lighthearted accusation against Alexander Zverev ahead of their French Open quarter-final showdown. The Serbian star playfully suggested Zverev`s real reason for being near the court was to observe his game, rather than simply posing for a photo with the Champions League trophy.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was slated to play against the hard-serving Zverev in the upcoming night session match at Roland Garros.
Before Djokovic`s fourth-round victory over Britain`s Cameron Norrie on Monday, PSG star Ousmane Dembele paraded the Champions League trophy on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
After receiving a walkover win against Tallon Griekspoor earlier in the day, Zverev went to Court Philippe-Chatrier to take a picture with the prestigious trophy. He then shared the photo on Instagram, writing, “Didn’t expect to see you here @championsleague. Congrats @psg.”
Djokovic, who shares a friendly relationship with the 28-year-old, humorously suggested Zverev had a hidden agenda.
The Serbian star, aged 38, commented on Zverev`s post, saying, “Tell the truth. You were there because you were spying on my game. Seeing the trophy was just an excuse.”
Djokovic`s playful comment garnered over 12,000 likes from entertained fans.
The three-time French Open winner is seeking to break a Grand Slam title drought that started after the 2023 US Open. Djokovic`s preparation for the tournament involved a recent change in coaching staff and early exits in previous events like Monte Carlo and Madrid.
However, winning a smaller tournament in Geneva just before Roland Garros seemed to lift his spirits, and he appeared in Paris in a good mood.
The Serbian star has reached the quarter-finals without dropping a single set so far.
Interestingly, on Sunday evening, Djokovic even went to the nearby Parc des Princes stadium to join PSG`s Champions League celebrations.
The post-victory celebrations in Paris were reportedly marked by chaos, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
Describing the events of that eventful Saturday night after his match against Filip Misolic, Djokovic mentioned the tension upon returning to their hotel. He recounted how they were initially advised not to go back and perhaps find lodging nearby due to dangerous conditions on the streets around their hotel near the Arc de Triomphe, including “gas bombs and cars under fire,” before they eventually decided to return.
