Alexander Zverev issues word of caution to Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Australian Open SF blockbuster

Alexander Zverev is ready to embrace the challenge awaiting him in the Australian Open semifinal. The German will take on the winner of the highly anticipated clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic for a place in the final.

On Tuesday, January 21, Zverev got the better of Tommy Paul in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Australian Open. The tightly contested battle saw the World No. 11 getting an opportunity to serve for the first two sets but he squandered the opportunities with Zverev eventually winning both in tiebreakers.

In the third set, Paul did not leave any room for error and pulled off a solid 6-2 win. However, he was outclassed in the fourth set by the World No. 2 registering a 7-6(1), 7-6(0), 2-6, 6-1 win over the American.

During his post-match press conference, Zverev was asked for his thoughts on his upcoming opponent. He will play the winner of the quarterfinal between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Zverev oozed confidence in his answer.

"I'm going to prepare myself for a tough battle. I'm going to prepare myself for a very intense and high-level match, and, you know, I know I have the level. I've beaten them before, and hopefully, I can do that again in two days' time," he said.

Further, during the press conference, Alexander Zverev also issued a word of caution to his potential opponents.

"I'm going to do everything I can to be in another [final] on Sunday," Alexander Zverev said. "Lifting the trophy is what’s on my mind... I want to achieve my dream of winning a Grand Slam, and I’m chasing that."

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Alexander Zverev shares his thoughts on 'boring' Carlos Alcaraz-Novak Djokovic matchup at Australian Open

Alexander Zverev at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

During his post-match on-court interview, Alexander Zverev was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming match at the Rod Laver Arena, a quarterfinal clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

"Absolutely boring matchup... No reason of staying here after you just witnessed Zverev-Paul," the German joked.

Soon after, the 27-year-old acknowledged the prowess of the tennis stars and expressed excitement for the clash.

"No, I mean, two of the best players that probably ever touched a tennis racket. Novak is the greatest of all time right now. Carlos is going to be one of them when he hangs it up. So it's a clash of generations," Alexander Zverev said.

"They have played Grand Slam finals before. They have played the Olympic finals last year, so it's a privilege to witness it here in Australia. So please guys do enjoy it, and I think it's going to be a great match," he added.

Zverev has a 6-5 advantage in the head-to-head against Alcaraz while he is trailing 4-8 against Djokovic. No matter who triumphs between Alcaraz and Djokovic, fans are assured of a blockbuster semifinal at the Australian Open.