Whereas age is clearly catching up on Djokovic, his insatiable urge for food for Grand Slam success exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
A patchy season by his lofty requirements has led to questions on his stamina and motivation, whereas the departure of rival-turned-coach Andy Murray from his staff additionally indicated issues weren’t functioning as he hoped.
However when the most important tournaments come round, Djokovic is at all times nonetheless primed to problem within the latter phases.
In Melbourne, he defied the percentages to beat Alcaraz and attain the semi-finals, though the bodily exertions led to a hamstring tear which meant he needed to retire injured towards Zverev within the last-four encounter.
Nonetheless, it confirmed he nonetheless had the need and functionality to beat the youthful technology over the five-set format.
“I feel the win towards Alcaraz and towards Zverev tonight proves to myself and others that I can nonetheless play on the highest stage,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I simply thrive on these events. That is the place I lock in and actually give my greatest.”
Zverev, 28, was as soon as a part of the primary crop anticipated to interchange Djokovic, Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
This defeat was one other illustration of how the German is usually unable to problem-solve towards Djokovic, who gained 4 of his eight break factors.
Typically accused of being too passive, Zverev was rooted deep behind the baseline for a lot of the competition and paid the worth as Djokovic took management along with his craftmanship.
With perception or focus not often wavering, the Serb began dictating the patterns of play and used the drop shot successfully to unsettle Zverev.
When the three-time Grand Slam runner-up lastly thought his probability of a comeback had arrived halfway by way of the fourth set, he was denied in arguably the purpose of the event.
Djokovic confirmed all his elasticity and endurance to cease Zverev placing the set again on serve.
It enabled Djokovic to serve out victory after three hours and 17 minutes as one other deft drop shot, fittingly, caught out Zverev once more.
