Novak Djokovic remains on course to become the oldest player to claim a Grand Slam singles title in the Open era, but the 24-time major champion should not be taking the challenge of semi-final rival Alexander Zverev lightly.
Djokovic is a ten-time winner of the Australian Open and it is quite remarkable that he can continue to land blows at 37 years of age given the calibre of younger opposition on show.
The Serbian superstar came from a set down to defeat world number three and four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, defying the 16-year age gap to show that the fire still burns inside.
Djokovic is getting stronger as the competition goes on, but in world number two Zverev he faces a player who is arguably performing better than ever.
The German still awaits a first Grand Slam title, but he was runner-up at the French Open last season and he is edging ever closer to that breakthrough victory.
Zverev has impressed in his last two wins over Ugo Humbert and Tommy Paul and he can cause plenty of problems for Djokovic, who did display some injury concerns in his four-set triumph over Alcaraz.
Djokovic defied his age and the odds to upset Alcaraz, winning 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 and producing a level which had now looked beyond him.
Last season was the first time in which Djokovic had failed to win a Grand Slam since 2017, hinting at a decline, but he has raised his game in Melbourne, where he will be seeking an elusive 11th title.
But, having lost the opening set to Alcaraz, Djokovic appeared to be struggling with his movement in the second set and the Spaniard was unable to capitalise.
It was true belief and determination that allowed the Serb to level up the contest, but he may not be so fortunate against Zverev.
The German second seed is becoming a model of consistency at Grand Slam level, with this being his ninth semi-final in his last 18 appearances, and at some point he should be rewarded with some silverware.
Runner-up efforts at the 2020 US Open plus last season’s French Open show how close is getting and his current level may be him at peak performance.
The 27-year-old is blessed with an exceptional serve that should keep points short and sweet and he knows he can have Djokovic's measure, having beaten him in important matches at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 ATP Finals.
Zverev has won three of the last five meetings between the pair and, although a potential five-set clash would have previously played into Djokovic’s hands, it may now suit the German.
The 27-year-old is in peak condition, whereas 37-year-old Djokovic evidently is not and it may take more than just sheer mental toughness to send the Serb through to his 11th Australian Open final.
With four or five sets a distinct possibility, Zverev should have few concerns racking up 14 aces and utilising his powerful serve will be crucial if he is to downsize the ten-time Australian Open champion.
These two have met just once since the start of 2022, when Djokovic edged a tight semi-final showdown 7-6 7-5 in Cincinnati, but Zverev fired in 10 aces and the conditions in Melbourne will be similarly quick.
Zverev has compiled 59 aces across his five Australian Open wins, twice going beyond 18 and that is without having come through any five-set encounters.
Djokovic may remain one of the best returners in the business, but three of his five Australian Open victims reached double double figures for aces, suggesting that a big-serving Zverev should be able to reach at least 14.
It could be worth siding with Zverev to come through a five-set epic, as Djokovic’s motivation levels remain high and he showed against Alcaraz that he is willing to scrap despite clearly not being the force of old.
However, the Serb displayed clear signs of struggle during that thrilling victory over Alcaraz and a lengthy battle with Zverev would pose serious questions of his well-being.
At one time, opposing Djokovic in five sets would be a recipe for disaster, but at this stage of his career he may be vulnerable were it to go the distance against a player 10 years younger and arguably in the form of his life.
Novak Djokovic | -175 |
Alexander Zverev | +137 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.