India, June 6 -- "This is where I lock in and really give my best," Novak Djokovic said after his masterclass of a victory in the quarterfinals against Alexander Zverev on Wednesday. "I thrive on Grand Slams."

For the first time in forever, Djokovic was not the outright favourite for a Slam title. Rising concerns over his trophy drought and fitness, coupled with the growing dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, had many experts hesitant to back the Serb for a French Open triumph. The outlook only marginally improved after his 16-month wait for an ATP title ended in Geneva, just days before he landed in Paris.

But it was always naive to write off Djokovic at any Slam.

Djokovic's love affair with Roland Garros is rarely spoken o...