Novak Djokovic names the former player he asked to help him during his win over Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic continues to impress at the 2025 French Open as he now looks ahead to the semi-finals.

The world number six traveled to Paris having just won his first title of the season in Geneva, when Djokovic beat Hubert Hurkacz in the final.

Carrying that momentum forward to the French Open, Djokovic breezed past his first four opponents without dropping a set.

Then came a tricky quarterfinal matchup with Alexander Zverev, who had knocked an injured Djokovic out of the Australian Open earlier in the year.

Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images

Getting his revenge, Djokovic defeated Zverev in four sets to book his spot in the Roland Garros semi-finals.

After the match, Djokovic admitted he enlisted the help of a former ATP star during his win over the world number three.

Novak Djokovic admits he asked Feliciano Lopez for help with his serve during the fourth set

During his on-court interview with Alex Corretja, Djokovic named the player who helped him against Zverev.

“In the fourth set, I asked Feliciano Lopez for a little help with the serve,” he said.

“It’s not easy being competitive here at 38 years old; I’m already at a certain age.

More Tennis News

“Today is one of those nights that makes it worth continuing to play, that’s obvious.”

Photo By Guillermo Martinez/Europa Press via Getty Images

Lopez was well known for his serving talents during his time on tour and ranks highly in the all-time ace list.

Lopez’s influence clearly had a positive effect as Djokovic’s serve held up against Zverev, en route to an impressive victory.

Player Aces Double faults 1st Serve % Win % on 1st Serve Win % on 2nd Serve Service points won Novak Djokovic 6 0 71% 76% 56% 84 Alexander Zverve 4 1 70% 76% 37% 66 Serving stats from Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev

The Serb outperformed Zverev in every key metric, booking his spot in the semi-finals of the French Open.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Only time will tell if Djokovic can continue to serve as well as he has when he returns to take on Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic’s record in Grand Slam semi-finals

Djokovic has competed in 50 Grand Slam semi-finals throughout his career, holding a 37-13 record.

His record isn’t quite so impressive at the French Open, however, losing five of his 12 semi-final matches.

Match Result Opponent Notes 2007 French Open – SF Loss Rafael Nadal – 2008 French Open – SF Loss Rafael Nadal – 2011 French Open – SF Loss Roger Federer – 2012 French Open – SF Won Roger Federer Lost in F to Rafael Nadal 2013 French Open – SF Loss Rafael Nadal – 2014 French Open – SF Won Ernests Gulbis Lost in F to Rafael Nadal 2015 French Open – SF Won Andy Murray Lost in F to Stan Wawrinka 2016 French Open – SF Won Dominic Thiem Won the tournament 2019 French Open – SF Loss Dominic Thiem – 2020 French Open – SF Won Stefanos Tsitsipas Lost in F to Rafael Nadal 2021 French Open – SF Won Rafael Nadal Won the tournament 2023 French Open – SF Won Carlos Alcaraz Won the tournament Novak Djokovic’s record in French Open semi-finals

Although he started poorly in French Open semi-finals, it is important to note the improvements he’s made during the latter stages of his career, winning six of his last seven.

Djokovic emerged victorious in his previous two French Open semi-finals, going on to win the title on both occasions.

His win over Carlos Alcaraz in 2023 was one of his best, taking down the young Spanish star in four sets, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

The 38-year-old will be more than aware that Alcaraz could await him in this year’s final should both players make it through their semi-final matches.

Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in Paris, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Musetti will take on Alcaraz, and Djokovic will play Sinner in the semi-finals on Friday, June 6, before the winners face off in the final on Sunday, June 8.

Click here to read article