Novak Djokovic has accused an upcoming opponent of “spying” after the Serbian eased past Cameron Norrie to book his place in the French Open quarter-final.
Djokovic took down Norrie 6-2 6-3 6-2 to book a place in the final eight.
However, the world No1 in men’s singles had someone else in the crowd he had to worry about, his quarter-final opponent, Alexander Zverev.
Zverev was at the match as he received a walkover earlier in the day as a result of Tallon Griekspoor’s injury.
The German took to social media to post a photo with the Champions League trophy, with the caption: “Didn’t expect to see you here @championsleague Congrats @psg.”
The Serbian is looking for a record 25th career Grand Slam
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Djokovic entered the tournament as the sixth seed, with Zverev third, but the German knows what the Serbian is capable of:
“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams, he’s never going to be a black horse,” declared Zverev when asked about Djokovic’s chances.
“He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on the big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.
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“Of course, until this moment, I had to focus on my matches. Now, from this moment onwards, I have to focus on Novak and maybe Norrie. But I will definitely follow the match, and I’ll definitely watch it.”
The German has reached the final four in the French Open for the last four consecutive years.
“But Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos [Alcaraz] is the favourite. I have said that before.
“Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik [Sinner], myself, and Novak, right? I still believe that. I still believe, on tennis and on experience, Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all.
Alexander Zverev will face Novak Djokovic for the 14th time on the ATP Tour
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“So, yeah, I think from now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament. I’m looking forward to the battles ahead, and I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”
The two will renew their rivalry for the 14th time on June 4 for a place in the semi-finals.
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