Tokyo Olympics 2021 Semi-Final: Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Preview

World number 1 Novak Djokovic sets up an intriguing encounter against the 5th-ranked Alexander Zverev in the semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Djokovic is getting closer to the golden slam record while Sascha will aim to clinch a medal for his country.

Match Details: 

Men’s Singles Semifinals
Date: 30th July 2021
Time: TBD
Venue: Centre Court, Ariake Tennis Park

What happened in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics 2021?

Djokovic crushed the home favorite Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-0 in just 70 minutes. The Japan star had won the bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics and was expected to challenge Novak. 

However, the top seed was unstoppable as he took 92% of points at the net and won 85% of points on his first serve. Importantly, it was his 16th victory in a row against Nishikori.

On the other hand, Zverev ended Frenchman Jeremy Chardy’s run with a 6-4 6-1 victory. The German’s big-serving was too good as he fired 11 aces, pocketed 88.88% of his second serve points, and pounded 13 winners in only 66 minutes. 

Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev: Olympics Semifinals

Djokovic leads the overall H2H 6-2 and 3-0 on outdoor hardcourts. 

Key Insights: 

• Novak Djokovic has won his last 4 matches against Sascha Zverev.
• Zverev’s last victory against Nole was in the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018.
• Both Zverev and Djokovic are yet to drop a set at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Djokovic is the first player (male or female) to reach 3 singles semifinals at the Olympic Games.
• Djokovic is on a 22-match winning streak. His last loss on the ATP Tour was to Rafael Nadal in 3 sets in the Rome Masters finals in May 2021.
• If Djokovic beats Zverev in the semis, he will overtake Roger Federer in the most singles victories at Olympics. 
   

Djokovic is on a mission to win the coveted gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The Serbian has been steamrolling his opponents not just in singles. He and compatriot Nina Stojanović have also stormed into the mixed doubles semifinals. 

Importantly, Novak Djokovic will have to do double duty tomorrow. The World number 1 and Stojanović will face the Russian duo of Aslan Karatsev and Elena Vesnina after his singles match. 

Zverev has been hitting the right spots with his booming serve. The Next-Gen sensation has used his cross-court forehand to good effect. Besides that, the German is maintaining a lot of rhythm and his double fault count has decreased significantly. 

Will this pattern repeat in the Tokyo Olympics Tennis semifinals match between Djokovic vs Zverev?

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have met two times on outdoor hard courts in 2021. Interestingly, Djokovic lost the first set both in the round-robin stage of the ATP Cup and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. 

However, despite winning the first set of the 2 clashes (both in tiebreakers), Zverev went on to lose the match to Nole. 

Wrapping Up

Having not lost to Alexander Zverev on hardcourts since November 2018, Novak Djokovic is the strong favorite to win this exciting Olympics semi-final tie. 

However, the German has all the weapons to force Novak to drop his first set of the tournament. “Pressure is a Privilege”, said the World number 1 after his victory against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the 3rd round and that could help him overcome Zverev for the 5th time in a row. 

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics 2021.