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Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Prediction | H2H: Australian Open 2021 Quarterfinals

Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Preview:

Another chapter in their renowned rivalry will be written as Novak Djokovic locks horns against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Djokovic defeated the big-serving Milos Raonic in four sets in the fourth round. Despite suffering an abdominal injury in his third-round clash against Taylor Fritz, he did not show any signs of discomfort throughout the match. 

The Serb smashed 10 aces, hit 41 winners, and won 78% of his first-serve points. The victory gave Djokovic a spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals for the 12th time. He also amassed 300 wins in grand slam matches with Roger Federer leading the list with 362 victories.

“I had no preparation for this match, I used every hour I had to recover since the Taylor match, my physio and those of the ATP and the Australian Open gave me their best support to get on the court. I have definitely been fitter in the past and I will continue to take each day one at a time," said Novak Djokovic after emerging victorious against Raonic.

On the other hand, Alexander Zverev beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4 7-6 6-3 in the pre-quarterfinals to reach his second quarterfinal in a row at the Australian Open. The German fired 15 aces, pounded 44 winners, and clinched 76% of his first-serve points. It was Zverev's 50th win in grand slam matches in his career. 

Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev H2H Record:

Novak Djokovic leads the head to head record 5-2 against Alexander Zverev. The Serb has won his last 3 matches against the German. This is their first meeting in the Australian Open.

Djokovic vs Zverev
Djokovic's brilliant court coverage may be too hot to handle for the big-serving Zverev. Image Credits - Getty Images

“Sascha is one of the top men’s players in the past five years, he has won the Nitto ATP Finals title and is an established top 10 player, he has the weapons, a big serve and moves well for his height, we played an exhausting match at the ATP Cup recently and I won’t expect anything less when we meet in the quarter-finals," opined the World number 1, Novak Djokovic praising Alexander Zverev ahead of the marquee encounter.

“You try to not focus on it at all, but I know who I play and I know what happened the last time I faced Novak, that is still in the back of my mind, of course, I want Novak healthy, to me, to go deep in Grand Slams, you have to beat the best players, it is not going to be easy, I am hoping for a good match," said Zverev revealing his expectations before the big clash. 

Performance in the last edition of the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic - Champion after winning in five sets in the finals against Dominic Thiem

Alexander Zverev - Semifinalist after losing in four sets to Dominic Thiem

The numbers that matter for Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev

Player NameNovak DjokovicAlexander Zverev
Aces6065
Double Faults1316
Points Won on First Serve81.75%82.75%
Points Won on Second Serve67.50%66.75%
Sets Lost41
Breakpoint Conversion 39.13%37.25%
Win-Loss Record in Tiebreaks3-12-1
Win-Loss Record in Australian Open79-816-5

Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Prediction:

Djokovic has been the undisputed king of Melbourne Park having won the tournament 8 times in his career including the last two years in a row. His relentless return of service and world-class athleticism will trouble the German. 

Alexander Zverev will be quite surprised with his performance as he has not played a single five-setter in this tournament and will be fresh with full energy ahead of the quarters. 

He needs to stay aggressive from start to finish and commit very few unforced errors if he wishes to pull off a win against the mercurial Novak Djokovic.

Prediction - Novak Djokovic to win in four sets against Alexander Zverev

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images

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