Alexander Zverev vows to adopt ‘aggressive’ approach against Novak Djokovic as he outlines game plan
Alexander Zverev has outlined his game plan for his upcoming Australian Open quarter-final clash against Novak Djokovic, saying he will have to “dominate”.
The sixth-seeded Zverev has looked in great nick so far at Melbourne Park as he has won three of his four matches in straight sets, his latest victory a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 win over 23rd seed Dusan Lajovic on Sunday.
However, a bigger challenge awaits him in the last eight as he will be up against world No 1 and favourite Djokovic, who is hunting for an eighth Australian Open title.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner leads their head-to-head 5-2 with Zverev’s two wins coming at the ATP Finals in 2018 and the Italian Open in 2017.
“You know, I’m in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, so I’ve gotta to be doing something well,” the German said.
“You know, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, the toughest matches I think are still ahead of me. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s ahead.
“You’ve got to play your best tennis, especially here. This is his [Djokovic’s] favourite court, this is his favourite tournament.
“To be able to have a chance against him, you have to be playing extremely well. You have to be playing aggressive tennis, I think, being the one that dominates.
“You know, I’m looking forward to the challenge. I think it’s one of the toughest challenges in our sport to be playing Novak at this Grand Slam in later rounds.
“I had two of my biggest wins against him in the Rome final and London, but the other matches were extremely difficult.
“I mean, we played twice in the last few months, in London once and at the ATP Cup, which was an extremely close match, which could have gone both ways. I think he would say the same thing.
“But the other side, it’s always a very physical match, always involves a lot of movement, I think. In a way you have to move extremely well against him.
“As I said, it’s one of the most difficult challenges in sports to be playing him here.”
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