Roland Garros / French Open 2025 [Men] - Grand Slam

[El Dude]

Zverev will never win a Slam.

 

[El Dude]

I just noticed: Wawrinka is 1-8 this year. Why is he still playing?

 

[Moxie]

All it took for Novak tonight is a little bit of creativity and needless to mention way higher tennis IQ. Zverev will never learn to try something new and he will never change.

Not to take anything away from Novak, who is playing great, for the first tournament in ages, but it wasn't even that creative. If a guy stands 8 feet behind the baseline, drop shot him! I'd love the count on how many times he killed him with that one.

 

[Moxie]

Zverev will never win a Slam.

You've finally had your come-to-Jesus on that.

 

[don_fabio]

Not to take anything away from Novak, who is playing great, for the first tournament in ages, but it wasn't even that creative. If a guy stands 8 feet behind the baseline, drop shot him! I'd love the count on how many times he killed him with that one.

Commentators said something like 30 times, but it felt like more.

 

[Moxie]

Commentators said something like 30 times, but it felt like more.

I bet it felt like more to Sascha.

 

[kskate2]

PMac just said what we've been saying... Zed is the most unimaginative top player... LOL

 

[El Dude]

You've finally had your come-to-Jesus on that.

Well, I think you remember me saying that this one would be big - and maybe disheartening in a career way for Zverev. I mean, if he can't beat a 38 year old...I don't care how great Novak is, if the 28-year old Zverev wants to be a Slam winner he's got to be able to beat this version of Novak.

Of course, realistically Sascha was never getting past Sinner AND Alcaraz....poor guy just played at an unfortunate time, between the Big Three and Sincaraz with no real gap between the two. He had his chances, and might even get some more, but it is hard imagining him beating Sinner and/or Alcaraz.

 

[Moxie]

Having dumped enough on Zverev for one day, (maybe!) I will say how sharp Novak is looking. Will be interesting to see the SF v. Sinner, who is looking untouchable.

 

[kskate2]

Having dumped enough on Zverev for one day, (maybe!) I will say how sharp Novak is looking. Will be interesting to see the SF v. Sinner, who is looking untouchable.

He's a lot sharper than he was even 2 months ago. All that being said, I still think fitness is an issue. He's hunched over a bit after some rallies, doing much excessive grunting, etc. I don't know how he will pull up when he has to execute against the top 2 in BO5.

 

[Moxie]

PMac just said what we've been saying... Zed is the most unimaginative top player... LOL

Exactly right, and we have been saying it for ages. One of the less-appreciated hallmarks of a great players is improv skills, the "jazz" of tennis. Zed is a thudding zero on nuance, artistry, adaptability to the situation. (See? I knew I wasn't done. )

 

[Moxie]

He's a lot sharper than he was even 2 months ago. All that being said, I still think fitness is an issue. He's hunched over a bit after some rallies, doing much excessive grunting, etc. I don't know how he will pull up when he has to execute against the top 2 in BO5.

I think he'll be a serious underdog to Sinner, but props for the renewed game.

 

[don_fabio]

Having dumped enough on Zverev for one day, (maybe!) I will say how sharp Novak is looking. Will be interesting to see the SF v. Sinner, who is looking untouchable.

Novak did well tonight, but Sinner is on a whole another level. Not sure if Novak at this age and fitness will be able to hang with Sinner, but I'm glad it's him in semis. Zverev would have nothing to offer.

 

[don_fabio]

Zverev done enough sprints for a month.

 

[El Dude]

If Novak beats Sinner it will be incredibly impressive, but...I think Sinner will handle him without breaking too much of a sweat.

 

[Moxie]

Well, I think you remember me saying that this one would be big - and maybe disheartening in a career way for Zverev. I mean, if he can't beat a 38 year old...I don't care how great Novak is, if the 28-year old Zverev wants to be a Slam winner he's got to be able to beat this version of Novak.

Of course, realistically Sascha was never getting past Sinner AND Alcaraz....poor guy just played at an unfortunate time, between the Big Three and Sincaraz with no real gap between the two. He had his chances, and might even get some more, but it is hard imagining him beating Sinner and/or Alcaraz.

I do...sorry, that quick answer was a bit cheap. I know that you've been seeing the writing on the wall for him, too. But today seemed the capper. It was an intense match for about a couple of sets, at best, and then Zverev lost heart. Of anyone, only Nole could possibly run the gauntlet of Sinner, then Alcaraz, as it looks like it may well be that, and I honestly don't think even Novak can. But it's the lack of fight, the lack of imagination in Zverev that has long given me pause as to his chances for the big prize. And this is not new. But this could be the nail in the psychological coffin for him.

 

[mrzz]

Sinner will beat Djokovic in straights, will lose four, maybe five games.

 

[Moxie]

Sinner will beat Djokovic in straights, will lose four, maybe five games.

Bold prediction. Not that Djokovic will lose in straights, though.

 

[kskate2]

Order of Play for French Open, Day 12 SF Round, June 5, 2025

 

[Fiero425]

Bold prediction. Not that Djokovic will lose in straights, though.

Well it's down to the Final 4 with Carlos having an extra day of rest! He should defend his title, but Novak might shock the world yet again!