Novak Djokovic battles Alexander Zverev for a place in the Australian Open final as the 37-year-old continues his bid to become the oldest men’s grand slam champion of all time in Melbourne.
The 37-year-old Djokovic defied injury to defeat young rival Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and his path to a record 25th grand slam singles title does not get any easier as he faces the big-serving Zverev, who is also the tournament’s second seed.
Djokovic admitted he was “concerned” by his physical condition after struggling with a left leg injury against Alcaraz on Tuesday, and the Serbian was forced to skip training on Wednesday and Thursday before his playing his 12th Australian Open semi-final.
Zverev, meanwhile, is aiming to win his first grand slam title and the German has been on strong form this fortnight. The 27-year-old has lost five of his last six grand slam semi-finals, though, but will fancy his chances if Djokovic is physically compromised.
Later, Jannik Sinner squares off against Ben Shelton in the second of the men’s singles semi-finals, as the World No 1 and reigning champion continues his title defence against the big-serving American.
Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open semi-finals in our live blog below:
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
Djokovic is aiming to become the oldest slam winner of all time, with what would be the 37-year-old’s 11th title in Melbourne having captured his first in 2008. He beat Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling semi-final and embraced new coach Andy Murray in emotional scenes at the finish.
Zverev, the second seed, is bidding for a first grand slam title, having reached the semis in Melbourne three times and having previously lost finals at both Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows.
The winner will play either Ben Shelton or Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final.
Jamie Braidwood24 January 2025 00:30
