Alexander Zverev is in the final of the Australian Open for the first time. His opponent, the record tournament winner Novak Djokovic (ten titles), had to give up after the first sentence that Zverev won 7: 6 (7: 5).
In the final on Sunday, Zverev meets either Jannik Sinner (Italy/No. 1) or Ben Shelton (USA/No. 21), who play the second semi -finals in the night session.
Zverev for the third time in a Grand Slam final
For Zverev it is the third move into a Grand Slam final. At the US Open 2020 (against Dominic Thiem) and at the French Open last year (against Carlos Alcaraz), the Hamburger had to give up in five sets.
Zverev now has the great opportunity in Melbourne to become the first German Grand Slam winner in the men’s singles since Boris Becker in 1996. For Zverev it is already the 36th attempt on a title at one of the four most important tennis tournaments.
Against Djokovic, Zverev also went out as the winner at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, the previous three major duels had won the Serb. After the semi -final defeat, Djokovic has to wait for his 25th major title and thus the sole, cross -gender record – he shares the record with the Australian Margaret Court.
Zverev: “Maybe it’s time for me”
“I am happy to stand in the final of the Australian Open. I have experienced severe defeats. Maybe it’s time for me to have a little luck in a Grand Slam final“, said Zverev in the On-Court interview. Before that, he had Djokovic, who was adopted after the completely surprising retreat with some boos, his respect. There is no one that I respect as much as Novak“You should respect what he has shown and achieved here for years, Zverev said in the direction of the audience in the Rod Laver Arena.”Please do not boo out if he has to give up because of an injury. “
The first set was a mammoth event over 80 minutes. Zverev dikiterte this was done and had more options. Djokovic looked physically struck, but saved himself in the tie -break.
Zverev remained nervous, stable on the serve and patiently with the annoying long rally. Djokovic put a feasible volley online at the first set ball – and gave up the game immediately afterwards.