Novak Djokovic鈥檚 tennis prowess is beyond question despite a sharp dip in form during the European claycourt swing and the veteran Serb can return to his devastating best again if he wants to, world number two Alexander Zverev has said.
Djokovic turns 38 three days before the French Open, which begins on May 25, and the 24-times Grand Slam winner鈥檚 preparations have been far from ideal, with opening losses at Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid last month.
After skipping the ongoing Italian Open without giving a reason, Djokovic will make one final attempt to rediscover his rhythm at next week鈥檚 Geneva Open after accepting a wild card and Zverev warned against writing off his friend completely.
鈥淢aybe he didn鈥檛 play up to his standard or his liking, but who does sometimes? If you鈥檙e a top guy and you鈥檙e not winning the tournament, you always go home a little bit upset,鈥� Zverev told reporters in Rome on Sunday.
鈥淚 believe once he finds his game, he鈥檚 still one of the most dangerous players in the world.鈥�
World number six Djokovic, who is chasing his 100th tour-level title, has struggled to assert his dominance after winning three out of the four Grand Slams in 2023.
However, he stepped up his game at the Paris Olympics last year to win gold, outclassing four-times major champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no question about his ability at all,鈥� said Zverev, who advanced to this year鈥檚 Australian Open final after Djokovic retired injured midway through their clash.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more whether he still wants to put in the work. That鈥檚 a question to him. His tennis ability is above everyone else鈥檚.鈥�
Second seed Zverev, who beat Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas 6-4 6-0 in Rome on Sunday, meets Frenchman Arthur Fils next in the third round.