Alexander Zverev became part of a unique crossover moment between Europe’s major sporting tournaments, tennis’s French Open, and soccer’s Champions League. Following his fourth-round victory over Tallon Griekspoor at Roland Garros, Zverev got the chance to pose with the coveted Champions League trophy, recently secured by the home side, Paris Saint-Germain.
Novak Djokovic, set to face Zverev in the quarterfinals of the clay-court major, later joked that the German was spying on him while using the Champions League trophy as a convenient excuse.
Alexander Zverev’s Champions League Trophy Photos at French Open Spark Playful Accusation from Novak Djokovic
History was made at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday, May 31, as PSG clinched its first-ever Champions League title. Teenager Désiré Doué contributed two stunning goals in Les Parisiens’ emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan. Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu also got on the scoresheet, contributing to the most lopsided victory in Champions League final history.
When the trophy came to Paris, it was brought to Roland Garros. Zverev, who reached the French Open quarterfinals for the fifth straight year following his walkover win against Griekspoor at 6-4, 3-0 (ret.), had the pleasure of holding the trophy upon reaching Court Philippe-Chatrier. He shared the highlights on Instagram.
“Didn’t expect to see you here 🏆 @championsleague Congrats @psg,” he captioned.
Zverev will next face 24-time Major champion Djokovic in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Notably, Djokovic secured his fourth-round triumph against Cameron Norrie on Philippe-Chatrier, the same court where Zverev was spotted with the Champions League trophy.
The World No. 3’s photo dump soon caught the Serb’s eye, prompting a playful accusation in the comments.
“Tell the truth. You were there because you were spying on my game. Seeing the trophy was just an excuse 😂,” Djokovic wrote.
Novak Djokovic Heads Into the French Open QF Against Alexander Zverev With a Head-to-Head Advantage
Djokovic heads into Wednesday’s contest against Zverev with an 8-5 head-to-head advantage against the 2024 finalist. Their last meeting also came at a Grand Slam — the Australian Open semifinal earlier this year, where Djokovic retired after dropping the first set 6-7(7) due to a muscle tear in his left leg.
Neither player had an ideal build-up to the French Open. Djokovic’s only tournament win came at the Geneva Open, marking his 100th ATP title. Zverev won the BMW Open and reached the quarterfinals in Madrid but struggled to make an impact in other lead-up events.
The 38-year-old is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title at this year’s French Open, while Zverev is still in search of his first. The winner of this blockbuster contest will face either the No. 1 seed, Jannik Sinner, or Alexander Bublik in the semifinals.