Notebook 12 – Djokovic for the extraordinary sequence, Zverev in front of Everest, Sinner to mark the spirits and the feat of Keys – rts.ch

ZVEREV FACE A L’EVEREST Beat Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of an Australian Open, Jannik Sinner did it last year. But he is the only one. Federer failed in the exercise in 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2020, Murray also in 2012, just like Ferrer in 2013, Wawrinka in 2015, Pouille in 2019, Karatsev in 2021 and Paul in 2023. If we concede that the 3 latest cities do not have the aura of the previous ones, that remains proof that Alexander Zverev’s task on Friday will resemble a climb of Everest in schlaps (and without socks, for pity’s sake). Led 8-4 by the Serbian in their direct confrontations, the German has never defeated “Nole” in a Grand Slam. A first could await him in a few hours. But it’s hard to believe it, frankly.

DJOKO FOR A SEQUENCE Will Novak Djokovic, a “veteran” who did not train this Thursday, push the limits by putting together a beautiful sequence of world No. 3 (Carlos Alcaraz), No. 2 (Alexander Zverev) and No. 1 (Jannik Sinner) on Sunday? That would be crazy.

SINNER REASSURED, BUT… For Jannik Sinner, on the other hand, everything seems to be going well and, before his semi-final at 9:30 a.m. on Friday against Ben Shelton, the Italian is more popular than ever. With his perfect tennis against De Minaur, the title holder is ripe to add a 6th victory to his Australian fortnight. “I delivered my best match of the tournament“, he reassured himself in front of the 8th in the world. But he will not allow himself to look down on Shelton: “It’s going to be a complicated semi-final. Ben is one of the biggest servers on the circuit, a very aggressive player, who can do just about everything. We’ve already had some tough clashes in the past.”

SHELTON’S HOOKS As for Ben Shelton, he will not appear as an expiatory victim in front of the Transalpine. The American can count on the experience of his semi-final at the 2023 US Open to approach this meeting. And he strongly believes in his possibilities! “I’m really looking forward to ithe blurted. Playing the best players in the world is a great opportunity to improve my game, to know where I am. Friday, this is what will happen to me.” And maybe even better! Despite their young age, Sinner and Shelton had 5 duels and the eldest won the last 4 matches.

SABALENKA TO SEE TRIPLE First two misguided games, then a full-fledged rebellion. Aryna Sabalenka let a tiny scare pass before giving her great friend Paula Badosa a slap in the face to reach her 3rd final in a row in Melbourne (6-4 6-2). The match turned into a demonstration and ended in 1h27 (32 winning shots, 77% behind his first ball, 80% success on the volley). So much so that when she took off her final service game, the Spaniard raised her arms to the sky. Of pride but also of helplessness. “I hope she stays my girlfriendcommented the WTA no.1. I promise her that we will go shopping together one day and that I will pay her whatever she wants.” Everything seemed to have been quickly forgiven, since the two players were seen joking and hugging in the athletes’ lounge a few minutes after the half. Sabalenka still has one last mission if she intends to win her 3rd final ranked at the Australian Open.It’s a privilege, I could never have dreamed of this“, she rejoices. There is no doubt that facing Madison Keys instead of Iga Swiatek is the delight.

KEYS’ SECOND CHANCE Finalist at the US Open in 2017 (damn, almost 8 years ago already!), Madison Keys was almost done hoping for another opportunity to win a Grand Slam tournament. And then she invites herself, heroically, to the final meeting of this Australian Open, at the end of an immense performance in front of Iga Swiatek, beaten 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10/ 8 in the super tie-break) after having had a match point in his racket. The level of play of the two players was quite fabulous and the winner can go into Saturday’s meeting with complete confidence. “But it all seems so far away“, she laughed earlier, aware that she will have to stand firm against the double title holder. The fact remains that in addition to having nothing to lose, Madison Keys will have the opportunity to extend his dream start to the year, with 11 victories in a row since January 7. Is history in the making?

BERNET’S LUCK Swiss tennis has gorged itself on white bread over the last 40 years. From Heinz Günthardt to Belinda Bencic – the one who still keeps the flame alive – via Manuela Maleeva-Fragnière, Martina Hingis, Patty Schnyder, Marc Rosset, Jakob Hlasek as well as the essentials Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, the Helvetians have had a blast. peepers. The current slump is a little scary, but the sun may be rising in Australia. Promising rays are emerging from the right arm of Henry Bernet (17 years old), a very talented resident of Basel who reached the semi-finals of the junior table by dominating the number 1 seed Jan Kumstat (7-6 7-6) . He will have a real shot to play next night against Oskari Paldanius, a Finn whom he destroyed at the start of the exercise 6-1 6-2. Some are already comparing the boy to Roger Federer. It’s risky! But let’s recognize Bernet that he has somewhat the same voice and the same tone as his glorious elder. And he has just joined the team of a sponsor dear to the “Master” and is receiving advice from Severin Lüthi. But please, let’s stop the comparisons. At least for now.

TIMES The men’s semi-finals will be broadcast at 4:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. this Friday on RTS 2. The women’s final will be broadcast on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Same time for the men’s final on Sunday.

Arnaud Cerutti