Alexander Zverev rejects Novak Djokovic question as star rues French Open nightmare

shut down suggestions that is a dark horse at this year's French Open ahead of their blockbuster quarter-final. The pair will face off for the the 14th time overall and the first time since Djokovic was forced to retire from their Aussie Open semi-final.

The Serb has not reached a Grand Slam final in more than 18 months but Zverev has refused to rule Djokovic out and expects a tough test come Wednesday. And things will only get harder if the German advances, as he has a nightmare draw and could face Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz back to back.

Last week, 2024 runner-up Zverev declared that in his half of the draw. Now through to the quarter-final to meet three-time champion Djokovic, the No. 3 seed was asked whether he thought his next opponent was less of a favourite.

He replied: "I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He's never going to be a black horse. 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.

"Of course, until this moment, I had to focus on my matches. Now, from this moment onwards, I have to focus on Novak.

"But Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos is the favourite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, 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."

If Zverev's theory proved correct and Alcaraz and Sinner also progress, he will have to beat both of them if he wants to lift his maiden Grand Slam trophy.

World No. 1 Sinner would be a potential semi-final opponent while Zverev could face Alcaraz in a rematch of last year's final here, which he lost from two sets to one up.

And the German is well aware that he has a brutal challenge ahead of him.

"So, yeah, I think from now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament," he smiled. "I'm looking forward to the battles ahead, and I'm looking forward to playing the best in the world."

Zverev has a losing 5-8 record against Djokovic but he won a close first set against the 38-year-old in Melbourne earlier this year before Djokovic retired with a thigh injury.

"We have had a lot of tough battles. I have had a lot of great wins against him. I have had a lot of tough losses against him," he added.

"You know, we have great history in our rivalry, I would say, but yeah, again, I'm looking forward to the match, and it's always a privilege to be on court with him."