Boris Becker responds when asked who he wants to win the Australian Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will renew their rivalry at the Australian Open, where they will go head-to-head for a final spot.

Zverev thinks Djokovic is the greatest player right now, with the Serbian having just knocked Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament.

Djokovic is into a 50th Grand Slam semi-final, and is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this month.

ATP number seven Djokovic and number two Zverev have met 12 times over the years, with the former winning eight of their battles.

They are now preparing for a first clash since meeting in Cincinnati in 2023, with their first-ever tie having coming in the 2017 Rome final.

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Boris Becker says Alexander Zverev needs to set the pace vs Novak Djokovic

Djokovic boasts 24 Grand Slam titles ahead of the match, having also lost 13 finals throughout the course of his career.

Zverev meanwhile has lost both of his finals, with former world number one Boris Becker now sharing his thoughts on his fellow German’s chances of beating Djokovic.

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“It takes a lot of courage to go where he’s never been before – to the final of the Australian Open,” Becker told Eurosport.

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“Then, of course, a bit of luck, hitting the line or getting a good decision from the umpire. That’s also part of it. And decisiveness, being ready for the big day.

“If the match goes on for a long time, Djokovic is no longer quite as strong as he was two or three years ago.

“Sascha Zverev is known for his physical strength – he’s sometimes called the marathon man because he’s had to go over five sets so often.

“The question is how the first sets will end. Sascha is playing a bit more offensively this year, closer to the baseline.

“That starts with his serve, but also has to include the return. It’s important for the match against Djokovic that he sets the pace and takes the initiative. Because if Djokovic lets you run, then you have no chance.”

Boris Becker wants the ‘better player’ to win between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev

It certainly is an intriguing tie at the Australian Open, as is the other semi-final involving world number one Jannik Sinner.

The Italian is strong favourite to beat American ace Ben Shelton, but the Djokovic versus Zverev clash is undoubtedly much more difficult to predict.

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Both players have managed to avoid five-set matches so far in Melbourne, although the Serbian did have an injury issue during his win over Alcaraz.

Discussing the 37-year-old’s longevity and success, Becker said of Djokovic: “Novak has been through it all.

“No one has played more Grand Slam matches, no one has won more Grand Slams. He really has experienced everything you can experience on the tennis court.

Year Winner Event Round Surface 2023 Novak Djokovic ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Semi-final Outdoor Hard 2021 Alexander Zverev Nitto ATP Finals Semi-final Indoor Hard 2021 Novak Djokovic US Open Semi-final Outdoor Hard 2021 Alexander Zverev Tokyo Olympics Semi-final Outdoor Hard 2021 Novak Djokovic ATP Cup Round Robin Outdoor Hard 2021 Novak Djokovic Australian Open Quarter-final Outdoor Hard 2020 Novak Djokovic Nitto ATP Finals Round Robin Indoor Hard 2019 Novak Djokovic Roland Garros Quarter-final Outdoor Clay 2018 Alexander Zverev Nitto ATP Finals Final Indoor Hard 2018 Novak Djokovic Nitto ATP Finals Round Robin Indoor Hard 2018 Novak Djokovic ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai Semi-final Outdoor Hard 2017 Alexander Zverev ATP Masters 1000 Rome Final Outdoor Clay Novak Djokovic v Alexander Zverev head-to-head record

“Sascha has to stick to his game and show his strengths – his serve, his baseline strokes and his fitness. He mustn’t let himself be put off his game, whatever his opponent does.”

Becker was also asked who he would be siding with for the semi-final, with the six-time Grand Slam champion replying: “That’s a difficult question, because Novak Djokovic is family to me and Sascha Zverev is also a close friend of mine – I also know the Zverev family very well.

“I hope that the better player wins. Djokovic is the favourite because of his experience. He has already won the tournament 10 times. But I think Sascha Zverev has a chance.”

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