Zverev the next hurdle in Djokovic's Grand Slam record chase, Sinner meets Shelton

MELBOURNE : 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.

World number one Jannik Sinner will also be in action when he continues his title defence against American 21st seed Ben Shelton in the night session on Rod Laver Arena.

DJOKOVIC BRACED FOR ZVEREV BATTLE

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