Novak Djokovic’s Ex-Coach Reveals Key Conditions for Alexander Zverev to Overcome the Serb at the Australian Open

The semis are about to get underway at the Australian Open and the tension is palpable! Novak Djokovic is set to face off against third seed Alexander Zverev, who recently triumphed over Tommy Paul in a gripping four-set match in the QF, winning 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1. This marks Zverev’s ninth semi-final appearance in a Grand Slam, while Djokovic, a ten-time AO champion, is the master of the Rod Laver court. So, what are Zverev’s chances of clinching the title this time? Boris Becker might have some insights!

Before the tournament began, the ATP media team hosted a fun Q&A with the players. Zverev playfully asked Nole, “Novak, are you going to finally let me win a slam myself?” Djokovic laughed and replied, “I’m going to have to disappoint all of you because you’re going to see quite a bit of me in the next several years. I have big plans. I still have a lot to win.”

They’ve faced off 12 times, with Djokovic winning their last encounter at the 2021 Australian Open quarter-finals. Given Zverev’s current form, though, Djokovic is in for a tough challenge this time around.

Novak’s former coach, Boris Becker, who worked with the Serb for three years, believes Sascha needs to “set the pace and take the initiative” to win over the champion this time despite their last three encounters not working in his favor. He said, “It takes a lot of courage to go where he’s never been before – to the final of the Australian Open. Then, of course, a bit of luck, hitting the line or getting a good decision from the umpire. That’s also part of it. And decisiveness, being ready for the big day.” Pretty simple, right?

True to form, Sascha has been impressive at this year’s Australian Open, winning his first three rounds without dropping a set and dominating Ugo Humbert in the fourth round with scores of 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-2. As Becker puts it, “Sascha Zverev is known for his physical strength – he’s sometimes called the marathon man because he’s had to go over five sets so often.” Becker noted that Zverev had been “playing more offensively” this year and showcased his composure under pressure against Paul by winning both first sets in tiebreaks.

However, facing someone like Djokovic is never easy. In his last match against Carlos Alcaraz, Novak demonstrated his resilience by returning from a set down and sealing the match despite struggling with a knee injury. He fought hard to win with the scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, and 6-4 — proving he knows how to seize the crucial moments.

That’s why Becker stresses one thing: “It’s important for the match against Djokovic that he (Zverev) sets the pace and takes the initiative.”

Per Becker, even against Alcaraz, it was Djokovic’s resilience that shone through.

Boric Becker breaks down how the Serb beat Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic’s victory against Carlos Alcaraz not only secured his spot in the semis for the 12th time at Melbourne Park but also marked his record-extending 50th Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Reflecting on the match, Boris Becker praised Djokovic’s resilience, saying, “Novak got treatment and suddenly a side of Novak emerged that we all know but didn’t believe he still had.”

Speaking on the Becker Petkovic Podcast, Becker marveled at Nole’s ability to grow stronger as the match progressed. “He’s 37 years old. At that age, you usually don’t get fitter, faster, or better,” Becker said. “But as the match went on, Novak kept getting stronger and Carlos couldn’t keep up.” He credited this unmatched quality as a key reason behind Djokovic’s astonishing 24 Grand Slam titles.

The match was a grueling battle of over three and a half hours, showcasing Djokovic’s mental and physical fortitude against his 21-year-old opponent. “He still plays tennis to experience moments like these,” Becker added.

Now, with just hours to go before his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, all eyes are on Djokovic to see if he can continue his march toward an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. Meanwhile, Zverev is chasing his maiden Slam victory. Who will emerge victorious? Share your thoughts in the comments!