Novak Djokovic edges Alexander Zverev and advances into semis

ATP
Tuesday, 16 February 2021 at 14:41
Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2021
World no. 1 and the defending champion Novak Djokovic is through to his ninth semi-final in Melbourne, overpowering Alexander Zverev 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 in three and a half hours.
The younger player gave his everything to follow the rival's pace, opening a lead in three out of four sets and wasting a set point at 6-5 in the fourth that could have sent them into a decider. Thus, Novak has stayed on the title course, seeking the ninth Australian Open trophy and battling against Aslan Karatsev in the semis.
Djokovic bounced back from 4-2 down in the opening set and saved a set point in game nine to prolong the set. Serving for it at 5-4, Zverev suffered a break in the worst moment, starting all over and winning the breaker 8-6 for an early advantage. Novak proved to be too good in set number two, serving well and delivering two early breaks to wrap up the set 6-2 in under 30 minutes and restore the order.
From 4-1 down in set number three, Novak took charge and won 20 of the next 26 points, rattling off five straight games and earning a double break that carried him towards 6-4.
Zverev built another advantage in the fourth set before Djokovic pulled the break back and saved a set point at 5-6 to reach another tie break. It was a high-quality one, with five winners in the opening points and no chances for the returners. Alexander moved 5-4 up with an ace down the T line and Novak won the next two points on serve for a 6-5 lead and a match point, denied by Zverev for more drama. Djokovic scored the only mini-break in the 13th point and sealed the deal with the 23rd ace to advance into the semis.
Follow all the Australian Open action at our Live Score Page here. 

Just In

Popular News