Key events
It’s a pleasant day in Melbourne, the oppresive heat that has characterised some of the previous days play giving way to a balmy 21 degrees as this semifinal begins. In other words, the weather shouldn’t be a factor in this contest.
Yesterday, of course, saw Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys move into the women’s final. Jack Snape and Tumaini Carayol have recapped all the action.
Sinner put paid to the last of Australian hopes in the men’s draw when he continued his domination over Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals but the local crowd was given something to cheer yesterday when local duo Olivia Gadecki and John Peers took out the mixed doubles.
Jack Snape has filed this from Melbourne.
Djokovic and Zverev have made their way out onto Rod Laver, the tension rising even higher as play approaches.
The last time Djokovic and Zverev met at a grand slam came in 2021, in the semifinals of the US Open. On that day, the German took out the first set and was able to push Djokovic to five sets but, in the end, was unable to deny him.
No. 1 Novak Djokovic wins in five sets over No. 4 Alexander Zverev, advancing to the #USOpen final
Djokovic will compete for the calendar slam and his 21st career major title on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/daziXzlYYf
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 11, 2021
Tumaini Carayol’s work in Melbourne across the past few weeks has been superb and his scene setter for today’s men’s semifinals is no different.
Even before he had undergone medical tests, defined the nature of his physical ailment and planned for his recovery, Novak Djokovic knew what was in store for him in the days after his remarkable quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, which he pulled off despite struggling with left thigh pain.
In the moments that matter, when one moment can prove the difference between winning and losing, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have thrived.
Perhaps none in history have shown the ability to rise to the occasion like the Serb, a level of fortitude and belief without peer taking him to heights few could ever dream of. In Sinner’s words, he likes to “dance in the pressure storm”, Melbourne’s Olympic Park seeing this last year when he came back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final. These are the mountains that await Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton.
Later tonight will see men’s top seed and defending champion Sinner take the court in prime time against Shelton, the American 21st seed seeking to avoid becoming the 20th straight competitor to challenge the Italian at a hard court grand slam only to be dispatched by the increasingly imperious world No 1.
First, though, it will be Zverev looking to do something that precious few have been able to do over the years, especially on Rod Laver Arena, and what he himself has never been able to do in three attempts at a grand slam: deny the Djoker.
And whereas Djokovic has built a legend on his ability to persevere, the biggest stage has not been all too kind to the German second seed across his career. So often he has flirted with glory – and did claim an Olympic Gold medal in 2021 after a run which included a win over Djokovic – but as shown in last year’s French Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, grand slams have proven too great a mountain in the past.
Can he overcome these demons? We’re about to find out.
Play: 2.30pm local, 3.30am GMT.
Welcome to the Australian Open 2025, where the action is heating up on the courts! In a highly anticipated match, Novak Djokovic will be facing off against Alexander Zverev in a battle of the titans. Djokovic, the current world number one, will be looking to maintain his dominance on the court, while Zverev will be eager to upset the status quo and claim victory.
Following this exciting match, rising star Jannik Sinner will take on the talented American player, Shelton. Sinner, known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, will be looking to continue his impressive run in the tournament. On the other hand, Shelton will be looking to make a name for himself on the international stage and prove that he has what it takes to compete with the best.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and coverage of all the action from the Australian Open 2025. Who will come out on top in these thrilling matches? Don’t miss a moment of the excitement!
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