MELBOURNE/STARNBERG, February 16, 2021
Top seed Novak Djokovic booked his spot in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Tuesday evening, as he overcame No. 6 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(8) under the lights on Rod Laver Arena.
The World No. 1 from Serbia fired 23 aces and converted six of his nine break-point chances to prevail after three hours and 30 minutes.
Witnessing something special 🪄#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/IHFYmabjVs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021
“Down to the very last shot, it was anybody’s game, anybody’s match,” said Djokovic during his on-court interview. “There were a lot of nerves out there, a lot of pressure. I was lucky to get that break in the 10th game. It was a close tie-break. After that, I felt I started moving better, playing better. I served extremely well. Emotionally, I feel a little drained, honestly. It was a great battle. Congratulations to Sascha for a great tournament and a great battle today. Tough luck today, but we pushed each other to the limit.”
Djokovic will next meet Grand Slam debutant Aslan Karatsev of Russia for a place in the title match. The 27-year-old defeated Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 to become the first player in the Open Era to reach the semi-finals in his maiden major championship appearance. Djokovic will aim to extend his unbeaten 16-0 record in semi-final and final matches when he meets Karatsev for the first time at Melbourne Park.
