Serbian tennis legend claims German rival used Champions League trophy as ‘excuse’ to scout his match against Norrie
In extraordinary scenes at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic has sensationally accused his quarter-final opponent Alexander Zverev of “spying” on him during his fourth-round victory over Cameron Norrie.
The world No.1 fired the playful yet pointed accusation after spotting the German lurking around Court Philippe-Chatrier with the UEFA Champions League trophy – claiming Zverev’s real motive was reconnaissance rather than football celebration.
The ‘Spy’ Who Came In From The Cold
After cruising past Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to book his place in the final eight, Djokovic discovered he wasn’t the only one paying attention to his performance.
Zverev, who received a walkover earlier in the day when Tallon Griekspoor retired with injury, was spotted courtside holding the Champions League trophy that had been brought to Roland Garros following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan just days earlier.
The German took to Instagram to post photos with European football’s most coveted prize, writing: “Didn’t expect to see you here @championsleague Congrats @psg.
But Djokovic wasn’t buying it.
The Accusation That Sent Social Media Wild
In a comment that quickly went viral, the 24-time Grand Slam champion exposed what he believed to be Zverev’s true intentions:
“Tell the truth. You were there because you were spying on my game. Seeing the trophy was just an excuse 😂”
The playful jab sent tennis fans into overdrive, with supporters of both players flooding social media with reactions to the pre-match mind games.
Historic Milestone for Djokovic
The Serbian’s dominant victory over Norrie wasn’t just another routine win – it marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The straight-sets triumph was Djokovic’s 100th victory at Roland Garros, making him the oldest quarter-finalist at the event since 39-year-old Istvan Gulyas in 1971.
“I feel good. I always have high expectations, I know that I can always play better each day,” Djokovic said after the match. “But in the end, it’s 12 sets played, 12 sets won, so it’s all positive and solid up until now.”
The victory also extended his perfect record in fourth-round matches at the French Open to 19-0.
Zverev: “He’s Never Going to Be a Dark Horse”
Despite the spying accusations, Zverev was full of respect for his upcoming opponent when asked about Djokovic’s chances at the tournament.
“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams, he’s never going to be a black horse,” declared the German. 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.”
Zverev admitted he would be watching Djokovic’s match closely: “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.
A Rivalry Renewed
The quarter-final clash represents the 14th meeting between these two tennis titans, with Djokovic holding an 8-5 head-to-head advantage. Their most recent encounter came at the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, where Djokovic was forced to retire due to injury after losing the first set.
Zverev acknowledged the significance of their rivalry: “We have great history in our rivalry, I would say, but I’m looking forward to the match, and it’s always a privilege to be on court with him.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
For Djokovic, the match represents another step toward a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title – a feat that would further cement his status as the greatest of all time.
For Zverev, it’s yet another opportunity to finally break his Grand Slam duck. The 28-year-old German has an impressive record at Roland Garros, reaching the semi-finals in 2021, 2022, and 2023, before losing last year’s final to Carlos Alcaraz when he was just one set away from glory.
PSG’s Champions League Glory Adds Extra Spice
The presence of the Champions League trophy at Roland Garros added an unexpected football flavor to the tennis drama. PSG’s historic first European Cup triumph on Saturday saw them demolish Inter Milan 5-0 at Munich’s Allianz Arena, with teenager Désiré Doué scoring twice in the most lopsided Champions League final in history.
The trophy’s tour of Paris included a stop at Roland Garros, where Zverev seized the opportunity for a photo opportunity – though Djokovic clearly believed he had ulterior motives.
Mind Games or Genuine Jest?
While Djokovic’s accusation was clearly made in jest – complete with a laughing emoji – the timing is significant. Elite athletes often engage in psychological warfare before big matches, and the Serbian’s comment ensures Zverev knows he’s watching everything.
The German has openly admitted to studying his opponents, stating: “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?”
What’s Next?
The blockbuster quarter-final takes place on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to face either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or Alexander Bublik in the semi-finals.
Both players have shown impressive form throughout the tournament:
- Djokovic: Won all 12 sets played, including his 100th Roland Garros victory
- Zverev: Reached his fifth consecutive French Open quarter-final, benefiting from Griekspoor’s retirement
The Bottom Line
Whether Zverev was genuinely there for the trophy or conducting some courtside reconnaissance, one thing is certain – the mind games have begun. In a sport where mental strength often separates champions from also-rans, Djokovic’s playful accusation serves as a reminder that he’s watching everything and everyone.
As tennis fans prepare for what promises to be an epic quarter-final clash, the question remains: Was Zverev really spying, or has Djokovic’s accusation planted a seed of doubt in his opponent’s mind?
Either way, Wednesday’s match just got a whole lot more interesting.
Image: Novak Djokovic (40021939483).jpg
Author: Carine06 from UK
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
.jpg){kind=link}