Novak Djokovic is searching for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title in 2025.
There are few tougher tasks in tennis than beating Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena.
The Serb has lost just one of his last 39 matches at the venue, a stunning streak that has helped him dominate the Australian Open over recent years.
Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, his toughest match of the tournament to date, as he battled back after losing the first set to win, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Next up for the 37-year-old is a test against the world number two, Alexander Zverev, who will be competing in his third Semi-final at the event.
Zverev beat Tommy Paul in his quarter-final match, setting up a blockbuster clash with the 24-time Major champion.
Ahead of their semi-final match, one ATP Tour legend has given his thoughts on whether Djokovic or Zverev is the favorite to reach the final.
Andy Roddick says Novak Djokovic being favorite against Alexander Zverev is ‘crazy’ but isn’t surprised
Speaking on his Quick Served podcast, former world number one Andy Roddick explained who he thinks is the favorite between Djokovic and Zverev in their semi-final matchup.
“I can’t believe we’re here but Novak [Djokovic] is the favorite,” he said.
“He’s the favorite at 37 years old, it’s crazy what he’s doing, and the reason I say that, it’s not because I’m surprised by it, it’s because I’m amazed by it.”
Roddick couldn’t quite comprehend how the world number two is set to enter the match as an underdog.
“How long can you be the favorite, against someone who’s by far got the best resume to have never won a Slam, against someone who beat you in the Olympics,” he said.
“I like my resume against a lot of guys that have won multiple slams, my resume pales in comparison to Alex Zverev, outside of the one Slam I won, I almost lost, I saved a match point in that.
“This guy is a really good player, and I think Novak is still the favorite.”
Djokovic suffered an injury in the first set of his quarter-final match against Alcaraz, with Roddick now giving his thoughts on the Serb’s physical condition.
-“Didn’t talk much about the physical ailment, said that the painkillers kicked in and that was all good after that, we’ll see,” he said.
“We don’t know what we’re getting, no one is ever going to know, everyone has a lot of absolute opinions about it and no one really knows, except Novak and maybe Andy Murray now.”
Andy Roddick thinks Andy Murray is ‘having a blast’ working with Novak Djokovic
Murray and Djokovic have been working together at this year’s Australian Open as their coaching partnership begins.
It’s been a successful move so far, with the Serb advancing to the last four dropping just three sets along the way.
Roddick went on to say how he thinks Murray is feeling after working with the 24-time Slam winner in Melbourne.
“I’ve got to imagine that Murray is having a blast,” he said.
“If you’re Murray, you still see and understand the game the same way, and also you have the best player ever to kind of follow your orders or opinions, or give feedback to.
“So I imagine the conversations are unbelievable.”
After his stunning win over Alcaraz, Djokovic sought out Murray immediately, embracing the three-time Slam winner after the match.
Djokovic praised the Brit for his hard work and dedication, and said he appreciated that Murray agreed to work with him.
“I went to him because I just felt very grateful that he’s there,” he said in his post-match press conference.
The Serbian star is unbeaten since Murray joined his team, winning all five of his matches, and will no doubt hope to extend his winning run to six when he takes on Zverev, in Friday’s semi-final match.
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