Zverev stands between Djokovic and record chase

Novak Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Friday with the Serb's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title picking up steam at just the right time.

Djokovic, who is looking for an 11th title at Melbourne Park, showed all his battling qualities in an intense quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz and the 37-year-old faces another huge task to overcome second seed Zverev.

Djokovic and Zverev have met 12 times before, with the Serb winning on eight occasions including their latest encounter at the 2023 Cincinnati Open.

Zverev, who struggled to hit top form during two seasons disrupted by serious injury, looked back to his best last year, winning the Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Paris as well finishing runner-up at the French Open.

The German knocked out American 12th seed Tommy Paul in the last round to reach a third Australian Open semi-final and he believes he has what it takes to get the better of Djokovic.

"I'm going to prepare myself for a very intense and high-level match," Zverev told reporters. "I know I have the level. Hopefully I can do that again (beat him)."

At 27, the second seed is still seeking his first Grand Slam title and hopes to become the first German man to win the Australian Open since Boris Becker in 1996.

Djokovic, the last member of the 'Big Three' still standing following the retirements of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, appeared hampered by an injury early in his thrilling win over Alcaraz but hopes to be fighting fit to face Zverev.

"It is definitely going to be challenging from every aspect I mean, I am playing Zverev, who is in a great form, and he is going for his first Grand Slam," Djokovic said.

"I think he loves the conditions. He's got big serve. He's super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone. The extra day with no match comes at a good time. I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team...

"But if I manage somehow to ... be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I'm as motivated as I can be."

AUSTRALIAN OPEN ORDER OF PLAY ON FRIDAY

Here is the order of play on the main showcourts on the 13th day of the Australian Open (prefix number denotes seeding):

ROD LAVER ARENA

Day session (0100 GMT/1300 AEDT)

Mixed doubles final

Kimberly Birrell (Australia)/John-Patrick Smith (Australia) v Olivia Gadecki (Australia)/John Peers (Australia)

Men's singles semi-finals

7-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) v 2-Alexander Zverev (Germany)

Night session (0830 GMT/1930 AEDT)

1-Jannik Sinner (Italy) v 21-Ben Shelton (U.S.)