Whereas age is clearly catching up on Djokovic, his insatiable urge for food for Grand Slam success exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
A patchy season by his lofty requirements has led to questions on his stamina and motivation, whereas the departure of rival-turned-coach Andy Murray from his workforce additionally indicated issues weren’t functioning as he hoped.
However when the foremost tournaments come round, Djokovic is at all times nonetheless primed to problem within the latter levels.
In Melbourne, he defied the chances to beat Alcaraz and attain the semi-finals, though the bodily exertions led to a hamstring tear which meant he needed to retire injured in opposition to Zverev within the last-four encounter.
Nonetheless, it confirmed he nonetheless had the will and functionality to beat the youthful era over the five-set format.
“I believe the win in opposition to Alcaraz and in opposition to Zverev tonight proves to myself and others that I can nonetheless play on the highest stage,” Djokovic stated.
“I simply thrive on these events. That is the place I lock in and actually give my greatest.”
Zverev, 28, was as soon as a part of the primary crop anticipated to switch Djokovic, Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
This defeat was one other illustration of how the German is commonly unable to problem-solve in opposition to Djokovic, who gained 4 of his eight break factors.
Usually accused of being too passive, Zverev was rooted deep behind the baseline for a lot of the competition and paid the worth as Djokovic took management along with his craftmanship.
With perception or focus not often wavering, the Serb began dictating the patterns of play and used the drop shot successfully to unsettle Zverev.
When the three-time Grand Slam runner-up lastly thought his likelihood of a comeback had arrived halfway by means of the fourth set, he was denied in arguably the purpose of the match.
Djokovic confirmed all his elasticity and endurance to cease Zverev placing the set again on serve.
It enabled Djokovic to serve out victory after three hours and 17 minutes as one other deft drop shot, fittingly, caught out Zverev once more.
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