Zverev is indeed a formidable follow-up to Alcaraz. The German is tough to break, he makes his opponents work for every point, he understands how to pace himself over five sets, he knows his best is good enough to beat anyone, and he’s 10 years younger.
But the last step has proved the hardest for him. Twice Zverev was in a position to win a Slam last year, in the Australian Open semifinals and the Roland Garros final. In Melbourne, he went up two sets to love against Daniil Medvedev and lost. In Paris, he went up two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz and lost. He’ll know that, and more important, Djokovic will know it, too.
Something new and different might happen in this match. Djokovic’s injury might hamper him. He might be too tired. Zverev might finally be ready to come through against him at a Slam.
So why does it feel like déjà vu all over again Down Under? Winner: Djokovic
