Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker

Novak Djokovic is set to face his biggest test at Roland Garros when he takes on Alexander Zverev in what will be a fascinating quarter-final showdown.

The 24-time Grand Slam-winning legend is chasing another major title that would see him move ahead of Margaret Court in the all-time list of major winners.

Yet the Serbian is not the force he once was and his former coach has predicted his German compatriot Zverev may be the favourite to win their showdown at Roland Garros.

“Novak Djokovic is only still playing tennis because he wants to win Grand Slam tournaments,” Becker told TNT Sports.

“The magical number of 25 is in the air, of course, which is why he’s probably most dangerous at Grand Slams.

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“Sascha Zverev is perhaps physically the strongest player still competing. He loves the long matches, he loves the challenges. But you win the big matches in your head and not in your legs!

“Now I have to admit that Roland-Garros is a very physical tournament where you have to push yourself to your physical limits for three to four hours. Zverev has an advantage over Djokovic in that respect. But we’ll see what will be decisive in the end.

“Djokovic comes from the generation of Federer and Nadal, where mind games were sometimes decisive for a match. The younger players like Sinner, Alcaraz and Zverev are a bit more relaxed about it. But Novak will do everything he can and mobilise all his resources to win this match.

“It it comes down to physical fitness I would definitely favour Sascha Zverev. He’s the younger and fitter player.

“Of course, you also need mental strength in the fifth set, but above all you need air and fresh legs. He likes playing against Djokovic and has beaten him many times – most recently at the Australian Open, however, due to an injury.

“Compared to Djokovic’s record against almost all other players, Sascha is in a good position. He doesn’t mind playing against the legend, but reality is on the court.

“I still have to feel it, maybe I need to witness the first or second set. Then a feeling like that can develop better.

“For now, I think it’s 50:50. On paper, Sascha might be the slight favourite, but the matches have to be played first – and Djokovic will have a say in that.”

Djokovic was forced to retire from his Australian Open semi-final against Zverev in January due to an injury, with the German insisting he now expected to face peak Novak in their last eight clash in Paris.

“I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He’s never gonna be a black horse,” said Zverev, amid suggestions that he is the favourite to beat Djokovic on clay.

“He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on a big stage and play big matches. There’s no doubt about that.

“For me, Carlos (Alcaraz) is the favourite. I would say the next three in line are Jannik (Sinner), myself, and Novak. I still believe that.

“I still believe that in tennis and experience, Novak is up there with us. I think from now on, I have the toughest draw in the tournament. So I’m looking forward to the battles ahead. I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”

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