Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Passes Resilient Alexander Zverev Test
Reigning champion Novak Djokovic passed a resilient Alexander Zverev test to win 6-7(6) 6-2 6-4 7-6(6) and book his place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Zverev, 23, began in confident fashion and broke Djokovic’s opening service game as the favourite initially struggled to get into his usual silky rhythm.
The German showed plenty of composure as he edged the opening tiebreaker when Djokovic fended a return long, winning the first set to make the encounter an interesting tie.
While the first set took an hour, Djokovic needed only 29 minutes to grab the second as Zverev lapsed.
The match then took another change of direction as Djokovic’s frustration made him destroy a racket, as Zverev moved into a 4-1 lead. The German was 0-30 ahead on Djokovic’s serve in the next game, but Djokovic clicked back into gear, getting 20 of the next 24 points to move one set from victory.
Again Zverev forged ahead in the fourth set and he had three points to move into a 4-0 lead, but Djokovic hung on.
Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title, chiselled his way back into a high-quality set, saving yet another break point at 3-4.
As the game went on, Djokovic squandered his first match point in the tiebreak with a sliced backhand into the net, but a dipping backhand earned him a second opportunity, this time on his own serve, and his 23rd ace sealed victory.
Serbian delight
