Djokovic downs Zverev, sets up clash with Sinner

PARIS – Novak Djokovic said beating Alexander Zverev on Wednesday was a “testament” to his ability to compete at the highest level as the 38-year-old reached the semifinals at Roland Garros to inch closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic fought past third seed Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in a gruelling night session duel, which captivated Court Philippe Chatrier over three-and-a-quarter hours.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner moves on to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the last four, after the Italian earlier raced past the unseeded Alexander Bublik in straight sets.

Women’s No. 2 seed Coco Gauff made it to the final four at Roland-Garros for the third time, getting past No. 7 Madison Keys 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1.

Next up for 2023 US Open champion Gauff is a matchup against French wild-card entry Loïs Boisson, who extended one of the most stunning runs in tennis history by beating No. 6 Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (6), 6-3.

A year ago, Boisson was supposed to make her Grand Slam debut in Paris, but she tore a knee ligament and couldn’t compete. Now 22, Boisson is the first woman to get to the semifinals of her first major tournament since Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati did it at the 1989 French Open.