Both beaten last year in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will have the opportunity to once again seek a place in the final of the Australian Grand Slam this Friday in an exceptional duel .
The legendary Rod Laver Arena will be the scene of a prestigious semi-final between two players motivated by the final coronation for symbolic but very different reasons. Between Novak Djokovic, who is chasing the supreme record and who seemed to be on the decline after a full year without a title except for a prestigious success at the Paris Olympics, and Alexander Zverev, still in search of his first Major, the poster is shaping up. thrilling and promising. The two champions who are very serene and who have garnered a significant amount of confidence over this fortnight show above all a breathtaking level of play.
Djokovic cancels his training
When Djokovic shows up for a post-match interview, you can be sure of two things: he will answer you without filter and he will not be there to display false modesty. When commenting on his majuscule performance against Alcaraz in the quarter-final, Djokovic was true to himself. I felt like I was playing in the final, it was a huge match. I don't usually reveal my physical problems before the end of the tournament, but I must admit that the effect of the medication helped me a lot and I felt better and better during the match. What I experienced in 2023, it helps mentally, you become aggressive and you take more initiatives. Now we have to see how I recover when the effect of the drugs wears off. Sasha is playing the best tennis of her life and the key will be recovery. ”
At the end of a titanic 3h37 fight against Alcaraz, Djokovic once again found himself juggling an injury, an almost recurring scenario in his Australian legend. Already in 2021 and 2023, the Serbian had overcome injuries to lift the trophy in Melbourne. This time, a pain in his thigh complicates his task in this supreme quest for the 25th Grand Slam title, a historic record.
Despite fatigue and physical doubts, the Serbian displays intact determination. ” If I'm physically, mentally and emotionally ready, I'm at my peak “, he said, banking on two crucial days of recovery before facing Zverev. His training today was canceled, the Serb preferred to remain in the hands of his physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic. With 8 victories in 12 confrontations against the German, including 3 Grand Slam successes, Djokovic has solid arguments to continue his domination.
Zverev: the opportunity to break the glass ceiling
For Alexander Zverev, this semi-final represents much more than just a match. After years of being presented as the heir to the “Big 3”, the 27-year-old German player is still chasing a first Grand Slam title. In great form since the start of the tournament, Zverev reached this stage by only conceding two sets, displaying solid and aggressive tennis.
However, the shadow of the past looms: his failures in decisive moments, notably at the 2024 Australian Open and Roland-Garros, are a reminder that Zverev still has to prove that he can reach the final level. Facing an experienced Djokovic, the German will have to rely on his power, his consistency and his physical freshness to hope to reverse the trend.
-Djokovic wants to write a little more history, while Zverev aspires to finally start it. The key will be the Serbian's ability to manage his physical condition and the German's ability to remain mentally strong in crucial moments. A duel that promises to be as intense as it is unforgettable.
What time will the meeting take place?
The semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will take place this Friday morning at 4:30 a.m.
On which TV channel is Djokovic – Zverev broadcast?
This meeting will be broadcast exclusively on the Eurosport 1 channel.
The different coasts
Thanks to his experience and his domination in head-to-head matches, Djokovic remains favorite against Zverev for this semi-final.
Betclic : Djokovic 1.67/ Zverev 2.32
Winamax : Djokovic 1.66/ Zverev 2.30
Unibet: Djokovic 1.68/ Zverev 2.30
Let's bet Sports: Djokovic 1.65/ Zverev 2.30
