Novak Djokovic edges Alexander Zverev and advances into semis

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.

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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.

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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.

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