Novak Djokovic aims for record 25th major title at French Open semi-final

In Paris, France, on June 6, 2025, the French Open semi-finals showcased a highly anticipated match-up between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. This encounter marked a distillation of the recent rivalry between the two players, with their head-to-head record standing at four wins apiece. Djokovic, a seasoned competitor at 38 years old, displayed his experience by executing a tactical masterclass against Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, securing his entry into his 51st grand slam semi-final. On the other hand, Sinner, the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion, was in remarkable form, having not dropped a set throughout the tournament and extending his grand slam winning streak to 19 consecutive matches. He demonstrated his prowess by defeating Alexander Bublik convincingly in straight sets in the previous round. The semi-final match-up was electrifying not just for the players involved but also for the narratives surrounding them. Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th major title and a fourth French Open victory, cited the importance of focusing on his own game rather than worrying about how to counter Sinner’s strong performance. He acknowledged Sinner's skill and consistent high-level play over the past couple of years, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and his determination to rise to the challenge. Sinner, relatively younger at 23, expressed his excitement about being in the semi-finals, showing a humble yet determined attitude towards the match. Their clash was set to take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, following the earlier match between Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti. The historical context of this match adds an additional layer of excitement; it was the first time that two Italian men reached the semi-finals in the Open era, marking a significant moment for Italian tennis. Additionally, while both players had recently faced each other, this was noteworthy as it was their first meeting on clay since their initial encounter in Monte Carlo back in 2021. As the match day unfolded, expectations ran high for both players, with tennis fans and experts pondering the unpredictability and potential outcomes of the match. Djokovic’s rich history and wealth of experience contrasted sharply with Sinner’s youthful audacity and winning momentum. The semi-final not only represented a significant milestone for both competitors but also stood as a defining moment in their careers, with the victor advancing to compete in one of the most prestigious finals in tennis.