Djokovic: “Zverev deserves to win a Grand Slam”

Novak Djokovic spoke about the difficulty of winning a Grand Slam – adding that some great players never manage it

Alexander Zverev (Chryslene Caillaud/Panoramic)

July 9, 2024

Of all the players left in the Wimbledon draw, Novak Djokovic has by far the most experience when it comes to competing at – and winning – Grand Slams.

So his views on how tough it is to do should certainly be listened to, and perhaps Alexander Zverev – defeated in five sets by Taylor Fritz – can take some comfort from his words.

“Most of the players don’t achieve [a Grand Slam win] in the course of their careers,” Djokovic said to the media after beating Holger Rune to reach the last eight of Wimbledon. “I’ve been very blessed to be in that position. I’m very proud of all the achievements, but I do know how difficult it is to climb to the top.

A 15th visit to the #Wimbledon quarter-finals, and a 60th Grand Slam quarter-final in total for Novak Djokovic 💪

The No.2 seed defeats Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to book his place once again in the last eight 👏 pic.twitter.com/gvuPXIle9j
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2024

“Like Zverev, for example, is a very good example. When you see his results, when you see his game, all he has done so far in the sport, he definitely deserves a Grand Slam title, right? But he was so close against Dominic Thiem in US Open. Played finals this year. He was up against Alcaraz in the finals of Roland-Garros. Many times semis. Just edging closer and closer.

“It’s not easy. It’s not easy. The longer it goes without you winning a slam title, the more you think about it. The more this pressure mounts on you every time you’re in that situation where, Okay, I’m playing for the title again. Then you start doubting yourself.”

Djokovic: There are unbelievable players who never won a Slam

He added: “It’s a huge icebreaker when you manage to win the first one. For players like Dominic Thiem, for example, when he won his Grand Slam, only Grand Slam, after that he couldn’t maintain that level for too long. Unfortunately injuries caught up with him.

“It’s unfortunate to have a player like that also not being able to be consistent with his level. He’s a player that could have won easily multiple slams. On clay court, as well.

“You have unbelievable players that never won a slam, but they deserved to do. It’s just that Grand Slams are whole different animals in comparison to other tournaments.”

Djokovic next plays Alex de Minaur in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Wednesday.