AO 2021: I am expecting nothing less than a big battle – Djokovic on his quarterfinal clash against Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic has made his way into the quarterfinal of the ongoing Australian Open 2021 as he defeated the Canadian Milos Raonic by 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. The Serbian had to battle hard as he played through an injury but came out as a winner.

In fact, with this win, Djokovic has bagged another record. The World No. 1 recorded his 300th Grand slam win after he defeated the player from Canada. Thus, Djokovic has joined former World No. 1 Roger Federer as the second player to record 300 wins in the major tournaments.

Meanwhile, Djokovic’s next match will be against US Open finalist Alexander Zverev. Djokovic admitted that it is going to be a difficult match for him and heaped praise on the young German for establishing himself as one of the top players in the game. Zverev is currently ranked at the seventh place in the ATP rankings and Djokovic will have his work cut against the youngster. Zverev is seeded as 6th for the Australian Open.

“Well, Sascha and I, we get along really well on and off the court. He’s a great guy and we joked around yesterday that uh we have kind of similar injuries,” Djokovic expressed during his on-court interview. 

“He’s one of the top men’s players in the last five years. He has won the World Tour finals, he has been a Top-five, Top 10 established player for quite a few years right now, even though he’s still young,” Djokovic said of Zverev. 

“I’m expecting nothing less than than a big battle than it was in the ATP cup, so let the better player win absolutely,” the 33-year-old added. 

It is going to be a top match between Djokovic and Zverev and it will interesting to note who will come out on top. Zverev defeated Serbia’s Dušan Lajović in straight sets in the fourth round. Djokovic will take on Zverev on Tuesday.

Djokovic will look to make the most of his experience whereas Zverev will aim to deliver his best against World No. 1.