FO men’s quarterfinals: Djokovic’s win sets the Big Three in charge

Novak Djokovic dismissed German talent Alexander Zverev in three sets, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. Last year’s finalist Dominic Thiem dominated Karen Khachanov with a ruthless display of clay prowess, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

Death. Taxes. And the Big 3 into the semis of a grand slam. You could call the French Open men’s semifinals three wizards and an apprentice, although Thiem probably has a better chance to make the finals than Federer. Still, it’s the first time that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are back in the semis at Roland Garros since 2012. Judging by the lackluster way that Alexander Zverev played, you can see why.

More of a matter of disapointment on Zverev’s behalf

The quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic and “Sascha” Zverev was the German’s to win. And he had it, after breaking the Serb to secure a 5-4 lead in the first set. But just like that, Djokovic overpowered the 22-year-old, broke back and solidified the lead. Everything after that went the 15-slam champion’s way, with two ruthlessly played sets. A series of errors just flew off of Zverev’s racquet at that point.

Djokovic is one of the best players of all time, and he’s been in commanding fashion throughout the fortnight at Roland Garros so far. He’s yet to drop to a set. But was he at his best in the quarterfinal against Zverev? Not really. But that’s a testament to the legends still playing at the top of the sport: they don’t have to be to win. Djokovic, Federer and Nadal have come to define the golden age of tennis. In their early-late 30s, they continue to best much younger players who should be hungrier to win.

Zverev ran out of the gate kicking and displayed a form that indicated that an upset was coming once he achieved that decisive break in the first set. But when Djokovic bounced back, it was all over. The match truly ended at 5-5 in the first, with the German running out of gas and seemingly out of belief in his ability to take on the titans of the sport on the biggest stage. He’s done it before, but never at a grand slam, and his quarterfinals appearance at the French remains his greatest round at a grand slam.

Dominic Thiem is likely to challenge Djokovic

Thiem has been on fire all tournament, demonstrating a beautiful clay court game that will likely see him make a second French Open final. The Austrian 25-year-old has been chomping at the bit to win his first major, and clay is his best chance. He didn’t put up much of a fight against Nadal’s dominance in last year’s final, but this year’s Indian Wells’ champion seems hungrier and he’s got his eye on the prize.

Domi’s record on the Big 3

Dominic Thiem has beaten Rafa on clay several times, including their last meeting in Barcelona, a straight-sets victory for the Austrian. He’s locked in clay wins over Rafa once a year: last year in Madrid, 2017 in Rome and 2016 in Buenos Aires. Djokovic recently defeated him on his way to collect the Madrid Masters title this year, but Domi accomplished wins over the Serb at last year’s Monte Carlo tournament, and most importantly, the 2017 French Open. The only Big 3 member he owns a favorable stat on is Federer, who he beat just this year at both Madrid, and Indian Wells, where he earned his first Masters 1000 title.

There is a very good chance that Domic Thiem could walk away with the Roland Garros title. But first he’ll have to dispatch two out of the three tennis titans left in the draw. That almost seems insurmountable, especially nowadays.

The men’s and women’s French Open semifinals take place (weather permitting) on Friday, beginning at 5:00 a.m. ET, viewable on the Tennis Channel and NBC.