Cheering for Zverev in the Australian Open Final!

Vegas Tennis Team
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Cheering for Zverev in the Australian Open Final!

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, January 24, 2025
Image Credit: Shi Tang/Getty

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are united in a gold-standard moment.

The legendary Grand Slam champion Djokovic has publicly pledged his support for Zverev, urging him on as they face off against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the highly anticipated Australian Open final this Sunday.

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After an intense, 81-minute opening set against Zverev, which he narrowly lost 7-6(5), Djokovic was forced to retire from their semi-final clash due to a muscle injury.

In his post-match conference, the Olympic gold medalist expressed his desire to see Zverev claim his first Grand Slam title, stating: “I wish Sascha all the best. He deserves his first Slam. I’ll be cheering for him.”

“I really hope he can achieve it here,” Djokovic added with enthusiasm.

Zverev has had his share of heartbreak in major tournaments, coming close to glory on two occasions.

At the Roland Garros final last June, Zverev found himself one set away from a title before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling four-hour, 19-minute match, ultimately losing 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. Zverev entered that final set with an impressive 10-1 record in five-set matches at Roland Garros but was unable to finish strong.

Similarly, Zverev tasted the bittersweet agony of missed chances at the 2020 US Open, where he held a two-set lead over Dominic Thiem only to succumb in five sets.

The silver lining for Zverev? He maintains a favorable 4-2 head-to-head advantage against Sinner and has triumphed in two of their three major encounters.

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As Zverev prepares for the final, he can take comfort in knowing that Sinner battled through leg cramps during his semifinal victory over Ben Shelton and faced illness just last week.

Courageously stepping onto the court with the endorsement of 10-time AO champion Djokovic, Zverev has expressed gratitude for the encouraging words. “That means a great deal to me, especially coming from Novak, who I hold in high regard,” Zverev remarked. “I’m eager for Sunday’s matchup. I feel I’ve put in the work, and I believe I’m ready for this moment. Let’s see how it unfolds.”

“I truly appreciate Novak’s well wishes. I’m looking forward to what will happen this weekend!”



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