Alexander Zverev, the next hurdle in Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record chase
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Alexander Zverev (left) and Novak Djokovic have met 12 times before, with the Serb winning on eight occasions.
PHOTO: AFP
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MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Jan 24, with the Serb’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title picking up steam at just the right time.
Djokovic, who is looking for an 11th title at Melbourne Park, showed all his battling qualities in an intense quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz and the 37-year-old faces another huge task to overcome second seed Zverev.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will also be in action when he continues his title defence against American 21st seed Ben Shelton in the night session on Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic and Zverev have met 12 times before, with the Serb winning on eight occasions, including their latest encounter at the 2023 Cincinnati Open.
Zverev, who struggled to hit top form during two seasons disrupted by serious injury, looked back to his best in 2024, winning the Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Paris as well as finishing runner-up at the French Open.
The German knocked out American 12th seed Tommy Paul in the last round to reach a third Australian Open semi-final and he believes he has what it takes to get the better of Djokovic.
“I’m going to prepare myself for a very intense and high-level match. I know I have the level. Hopefully, I can do that again (beat him),” Zverev told reporters.
At 27, the second seed is still seeking his first Grand Slam title and hopes to become the first German man to win the Australian Open since Boris Becker in 1996.
Djokovic, the last member of the “Big Three” still standing following the retirements of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, appeared hampered by an injury early in his thrilling win over Alcaraz but hopes to be fighting fit to face Zverev.
“It is definitely going to be challenging from every aspect. I mean, I am playing Zverev, who is in a great form, and he is going for his first Grand Slam,” Djokovic said.
“I think he loves the conditions. He’s got big serve. He’s a super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone. The extra day with no match comes at a good time. I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team.”
“But if I manage somehow to... be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be,” he added.
Sinner easily dispensed with home favourite and eighth seed Alex de Minaur
Jannik Sinner during a medical timeout against Holger Rune on Jan 20.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
While Sinner is into his fifth Grand Slam semi-final, Shelton, who turned pro in 2022, is set to play just his second after reaching the last four at the 2023 US Open.
Sinner holds a 4-1 record against Shelton, 22, but the 23-year-old Italian remains cautious ahead of their clash.
“One of the biggest serves we have on tour. He’s a very aggressive player, an all-round player. He can go to the net. He can stay back,” Sinner said.
“It’s a difficult match for both of us. We know each other a little bit better now. We had some tough matches in the last year, so let’s see what’s coming.” REUTERS
