Alexander Zverev is an established top player, not NextGen, says Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic says Alexander Zverev must not be taken lightly when they meet in the ATP World Tour Final on Sunday.
The German beat Roger Federer in the semis with Djokovic blasting past Kevin Anderson, and the world number one is expecting a really tough match.
“Sascha, even though he’s a leader of new generation, still kind of considered a young player, he’s an established player.
“He’s shown some great skill on the court the last couple years.
“He’s shown why he deserves to be in the mix of the top players in the world.
“I’m expecting quite a different match-up for us tomorrow than what it was in the group stage.
Zverev’s semi-final win over Roger Federer was marred by controversy after the German asked for a crucial point to be replayed when a ball-boy dropped a ball.
It resulted in Zverev being widely booed by fans during his on-court interview.
Roger Federer gives his response as he exits the ATP finals amid a storm of controversy (via @RealKevinPalmer )https://t.co/kwDfJkGxj4
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) November 17, 2018
“I saw that,” Djokovic added.
“Look, I felt bad for Sascha in a way because in the end you could see that he didn’t deserve to be booed.
“I don’t see what he did wrong. Things happen.
“It was obviously a really important point, an important moment, and Roger was in the point.
“I think he was putting Sascha on the back foot. You could see on the replay it actually happened. It disturbed him.
“I think on the moral side, you can’t really say anything negative about that move from Sascha because it did really happen.
“He’s not someone that cheats or something like that.
“He’s quite an honest guy, has really good relationship with all the players.
“He didn’t deserve to get booed. But I also understand from a crowd’s perspective that it all looked quite odd to happen at that point.”
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
The King Returns: Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open, returns to No 1, joins Rafael Nadal on 22 Slams
Novak Djokovic, who also becomes world number one, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s title winners in the Open Era: Novak Djokovic moves ahead of Rafael Nadal and closer to 100th title
A 10th Australian Open title sees Novak Djokovic move ahead of Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka ready to battle at top of women’s game after Australian Open win
A terrific Australian Open final indicated Iga Swiatek will soon have company at the top in Aryna Sabalenka.