Australian Open: Zverev and Sinner book championship clash, Djokovic injury

After dropping the first set of his match against Alexander Zverev on Friday, Novak Djokovic had to retire due to injury. This sent the German to his first Australian Open final, where he would face reigning champion Jannik Sinner for his first Grand Slam victory.

After winning the U.S. Open, Sinner recovered from a cramp to advance to his second consecutive Melbourne final and third in the hardcourt majors by defeating American Ben Shelton 7-6(2) 6-2 6-2 to secure an exciting match for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

Sinner said, “I’m just happy to put myself in this position again, to play for a big trophy again,” to reporters.

“Grand Slams are ultimately the most significant competitions in our sport… Finals are thrilling days, but they’re a little different.

“It doesn’t really matter how large the tournament is when you get there on Sunday, but there’s a pleasant vibe when you play. There are two males standing. You simply strive to be the best tennis player you can be.

Djokovic, who left against Zverev after losing the opening set 7-6(5), will remain tied with Margaret Court on 24 major championships until at least the French Open, while the Italian is aiming for his third Grand Slam victory of his illustrious career.

After his exhausting quarterfinal triumph against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic had a long medical break following a high-octane opening set against the Spaniard, raising concerns about his left thigh.

On the eve of the semi-final, the 37-year-old Serb skipped a training session and showed up for the afternoon match at Rod Laver Arena strapped to his thigh.

Until he started stuttering slowly between points and shouting in irritation at his teammates’ box late in the set, however, there was no sign that he was having trouble.

The audience gasped as he came to Zverev’s side to shake hands and embrace the German after giving away the set by smashing a normal forehand volley into the net.

As the ten-time winner left, there was a chorus of jeers, but Djokovic gave the terraces a round of applause and two thumbs up with a regretful face.

Later, Djokovic said that as the set went on, his agony increased and that he had been attempting to milk a torn muscle.

“I knew even if I won the first set, that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies, you know, for another God knows what, two, three, four hours,” the Croatian told reporters.

“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank.”

“BE RESPECTFUL”

Zverev said that Djokovic’s withdrawal startled him as well, but he also pointed out that the Serb’s mobility had slowed down during the tiebreak.

“I thought it was a high level first set,” he stated.

“There are undoubtedly some challenges… he was not moving throughout the tiebreak. He did appear to be struggling a little more.

As Djokovic has dominated the year’s first Grand Slam since taking up his maiden championship at Melbourne Park in 2008, Zverev also chastised several members of the audience for their jeering.

“The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev stated.

“I am aware that everyone purchased tickets with the hopes of witnessing a fantastic five-set contest.

“But Novak Djokovic is someone who has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to this sport.

“He has won this competition despite having a hamstring strain and an abdominal rupture.

“So please show some respect.”

A MASSIVE BOOST

After losing to Alcaraz in the French Open final last year and giving up a two-set lead before falling to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 U.S. Open final, Zverev’s prospects of eventually winning a major are greatly bolstered by the shortened semi-final victory.

Since he was a teenager, the rangy 27-year-old has been predicted to win a Grand Slam, but he was frequently stopped by players like Djokovic, the now-retired Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

On Friday, Zverev was excellent on serve and seemed happy to engage in attritional exchanges with the Serb while waiting for opportunities.

Zverev was really strong in the tiebreak, despite not converting all five of his break opportunities against Djokovic.

A year after being stunned by Sinner in the semi-finals, he smashed a forehand down the line to bring up set point with a 24th victory before Djokovic’s spectacular exit.

Shelton attacked Sinner in a close first set, where he fought back from a 2-0 deficit and saved two set chances at 6-5 to win the match in the tiebreak. He then dominated the 21st seed in the second set to further solidify his hold.

In a tight third set, the top seed started having issues with his left knee and required medical attention; nevertheless, Shelton was unable to take advantage of this and let Sinner win the match with some incredible victories.

When he faces Zverev on Sunday, Sinner stated that there won’t be any favorites.

“For both, it will be a difficult contest. There will be physical contact. We’ll see then,” he added.