Germany’s best tennis player can reach the final in Melbourne with a win. But a difficult opponent awaits the Hamburger in the semi-finals. Follow the match here in the live ticker.
Two more wins. Alexander Zverev needs two more wins to finally make his dream of winning his first Grand Slam title come true. For the second time since 2020, the Hamburg resident is in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and can reach only his second major final with a win. The final in Melbourne on Sunday would be against the Italian Jannik Sinner, who sensationally knocked Novak Djoković out of the tournament on Friday morning (read more about that here).
But before the final there is still a very difficult opponent waiting in the penultimate round: Daniil Medvedev. It’s a long-term duel on the tour: Both have already played against each other 18 times, the record is 11:7 in favor of the Russian. Last year alone there were six encounters, of which Medvedev won five (read more here). But Zverev doesn’t want to attach any importance to these numbers. “He was at his best last year, I was coming back from an injury, my self-confidence wasn’t there,” said Zverev. “And then you let a lot of things get you out. He put that to good use last year. I hope I’m a different player this year.”
Will the second Grand Slam final of the 26-year-old’s career work? Follow the match live here in the ticker from 9:30 a.m.
Daniil Medvedev – Alexander Zverev 4:5
1st set, 4:5 – Medvedev doesn’t get anything for free here. He gets through his serve game with difficulty.
1st set, 3:5 – The first high-class rallies develop. Zverev goes on the offensive again, opens up the field, then scores at the net. But can’t settle. Once again one punch is too long, the German is already arguing with his box. It’s about a tie. He gets his serve through with an ace.
1st set, 3:4 – Medvedev shortened the score to 3:4.
1st set, 2:4 – Re-break for Medvedev. A Zverev backhand into the net, then a forehand that is too short – and Medvedev has two break points. The Hamburger fends off the first one, goes to the net offensively and forces the next ball into the net. In the second, however, Zverev misses a forehand.
1st set, 1:4 – And as if to prove it, Medvedev puts a forehand way out of bounds on his own serve. Then Zverev followed up with a forehand winner – but then completely misjudged a Medvedev shot and ran forward far too early. And what is the Russian doing? Immediately makes two double faults. And gets the next break.
1st set, 1:3 – A nice forehand longline to 40:15, then a service winner. Zverev makes the more focused impression at the start.
1st set, 1:2 – Break for Zverev! Is Medvedev nervous after all? He immediately makes his first double fault. Then a backhand is too long. Suddenly Zverev has three break points – and is already using his first. Medvedev lands a forehand in the net.
1st set, 1:1 – Zverev also starts without problems. With a service winner he also ends his serve game to zero.
1st set, 1:0 – Medvedev’s first serve is spot on and he easily gets through his first service game to zero.
Before the match – Medvedev serves first.
Before the match – Both opponents are now getting used to each other. It’s about to start in Melbourne when referee Eva Asderaki-Moore announces “Time”.
Before the match – Zverev enters the court first, then the Russian comes. Both are cheered by the audience in the Rod Laver Arena.
Before the match – Zverev and Medvedev now walk through the catacombs onto the court, passing the corridor in which the winners of recent years are pictured.
Before the match – The tournament is also getting ready for the penultimate men’s match…