Novak Djokovic produced a performance of grit and precision to topple Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals and reach a blockbuster clash with Alexander Zverev in the semi-final. The 24-time Grand Slam champion came back from losing a set to beat the young Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and reach his 50th Grand Slam semi-final.
At 37, Djokovic was at it again, this time through his trademark grit and tactical nous to stymie Alcaraz, who was contesting a Career Grand Slam. The Serbian legend, meanwhile, continues to display the devastating prowess that has cemented him as one of the greatest of all time – only the most promising of talents can provide him a competitive threat amid his years of unrivalled experience and undeterred focus.
Tuesday’s win stretched Djokovic’s outstanding success at Melbourne, where he has now made the semis or played in the finals in his past six appearances in the main draw. He is the king of the hard courts Down Under, with a winning percentage of 91.7% at the Australian Open.
His semi-final opponent, Alexander Zverev, is an experienced elite competitor in his own right, but is still searching for a Grand Slam title despite a résumé that leans heavily on 23 ATP tour titles at the top level, two ATP Finals titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Zverev reached the last four with a 7-6(1), 7-6(0), 2-6, 6-1 win against Tommy Paul. The German was pushed, without doubt, but the fact he was able to blow his opponents off the track in the key tie-breaks — and then control the fourth set — showed he is more than ready for the challenge ahead. But to beat a 10-time Australian Open champion like Djokovic, Zverev will have to play his best tennis to date.
Tournament Journey
Djokovic had a slow start to the tournament, losing sets to Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria in the first two rounds. He eventually settled into a groove as the event wore on, with a pair of commanding displays against Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka before defeating Alcaraz in a spectacular quarter-final.
Zverev, meanwhile, eased through his first three rounds, dropping just one set to Lucas Pouille, Pedro Martinez and Jacob Fearnley. His fourth-round match with Ugo Humbert was a stiffer test, but once again Zverev was able to come through, reaching his quarter-final with Paul.
Head-to-Head History
Djokovic is ahead in his head-to-head series with Zverev 8-4, including in all three Grand Slam matches they have played. Their last meeting came in 2023, at the Cincinnati Masters, where Djokovic won in straight sets. Zverev is equipped to beat Djokovic, but his 4-16 record against top-10 players at Grand Slams highlights the challenge ahead.
Prediction
Djokovic comes to this semi-final as the clear favourite, having displayed winning championship levels of play through the later rounds of the tournament. While Zverev is known for his powerful groundstrokes and his ability to dominate points, the Serb possesses the superior experience and mental fortitude that will allow him to get through this match and win it in straight sets. Djokovic rebounds to win in four sets and earns a spot in his 11th Australian Open final, still on track for his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic is a locked-in force pursuing his legacy with no mercy.
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