Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev: Boris Becker outlines how fellow German can cause upset in Australian Open semi-final
Published 22/01/2025 at 19:33 GMT
Boris Becker has given his verdict on the Australian Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, and how his fellow German can cause an upset against the 10-time champion. Zverev is bidding to win his first Grand Slam title while Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th major. Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, while Zverev triumphed over Tommy Paul to reach the last four.
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"I have a set goal that I want to achieve my dream of winning a Grand Slam, and I'm chasing that."
Alexander Zverev is two wins away from lifting the first major title of his career, but next up is the formidable challenge of Novak Djokovic.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion produced a hugely-impressive display to beat world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz and reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Djokovic has won his three previous Grand Slam meetings against Zverev, so what are the keys to the German ending that streak in Melbourne?
Boris Becker, who spent three successful years coaching Djokovic, thinks his fellow German must "set the pace and take the initiative" – and be prepared to go the distance.
"It takes a lot of courage to go where he's never been before – to the final of the Australian Open," Becker told Eurosport about Zverev.
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"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.
"If the match goes on for a long time, Djokovic is no longer quite as strong as he was two or three years ago. 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. The question is how the first sets will end.Â
"Sascha is playing a bit more offensively this year, closer to the baseline. That starts with his serve, but also has to include the return. It's important for the match against Djokovic that he sets the pace and takes the initiative. Because if Djokovic lets you run, then you have no chance."
Djokovic comes into the contest with concerns over his fitness. He required treatment on his leg during his match against Alcaraz and admitted afterwards he had come close to retiring due to injury.
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Djokovic 'concerned' over fitness after beating Alcaraz
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Djokovic also said he was "concerned physically" ahead of meeting Zverev on Friday.
"Novak has been through it all," added Becker.
"No one has played more Grand Slam matches, no one has won more Grand Slams. He really has experienced everything you can experience on the tennis court. Sascha has to stick to his game and show his strengths – his serve, his baseline strokes and his fitness. He mustn't let himself be put off his game, whatever his opponent does."
Djokovic, who will be competing in his 50th Grand Slam semi-final, leads the head-to-head record 8-4 against Zverev and won their most recent meeting in Cincinnati in 2023.
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However, Zverev has won two of the last four against Djokovic, including at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and has looked in strong form at the Australian Open.
Asked who he would be siding with, Becker said: "That's a difficult question, because Novak Djokovic is family to me and Sascha Zverev is also a close friend of mine – I also know the Zverev family very well. I hope that the better player wins.
"Djokovic is the favorite because of his experience. He has already won the tournament 10 times. But I think Sascha Zverev has a chance."
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