ATP Australian Open semifinals
Djokovic – Zverev: 24.01.2025 02:00 CEST
H2H: 9-6
Novak Djokovic has won five straight matches. At the beginning of the season, Novak played in Brisbane, losing in straight sets against Opelka in the quarterfinals. Many people doubted him before the Australian Open, but he has shown his best tennis.
In his opening Australian Open round, Novak defeated Basavareddy in four sets, as we predicted. After that, in the second round, Novak also won against Faria in four sets. Those were also his poorest performances in the tournament so far. In the third round, Machac had no answer for Novak’s game. Djokovic won in easy straight sets. After that, in the fourth round, Lehecka had no answer for Novak’s game after that. Once again, Djokovic won in straight sets.
Today, in the quarterfinals, Novak upset Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. In the first set, Djokovic limped, and his on-court movement was limited. After losing the first set 4-6, Djokovic started playing aggressively, which paid off in the end. Novak successfully turned the match around and got himself into the semifinals. Novak is historically looking the best player in the Australian Open. He already has 10 titles here in Melbourne and is once again one of the biggest favorites to win. Last year in Melbourne, Djokovic lost in the semifinals against Sinner in four sets.
Alexander Zverev has won seven straight matches. At the beginning of the season, Sascha only played in the United Cup, winning both matches.
In his opening match here in Melbourne, Sascha defeated Pouille in straight sets. He offered and saved two breakpoints and was solid under pressure. In the second round, Zverev demolished Pablo Martinez in straight sets. In the third round, Sascha defeated Fearnley in easy straight sets. After that, in the 1/8-Finals, Zverev lost the second set 2-6 against Humbert. Other than that, he was a better player than Humbert and won easily in four sets.
Today, in the quarterfinals, Zverev defeated Paul in four sets. He was 2-5 down in the second set but successfully turned the set around. After losing the third set, Sascha stepped up and dominated in the fourth set against Paul. Last year in Melbourne, Alexander was 2-0 up against Medvedev in the semifinals. Zverev once again underperformed under pressure, and Daniil turned the match around. That semifinal match was also his most significant result in the Australian Open. He also reached the semifinals in 2020, losing against Thiem in four tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Djokovic is the slight favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Zverev was on the verge of losing the first and second sets today against Tommy Paul. On the other hand, Djokovic dominated against Alcaraz, who was one of the biggest favorites in the tournament. So far, Novak has won all three head-to-head meetings at the Grand Slam level. We believe that his experience will prevail in this match.
That being said, Djokovic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Novak Djokovic winning @1.57 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
