2021 ATP Cup Group A – Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev on and what time does it start? Thursday 4th February, 2021 – Not before 0:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
- World number one Novak Djokovic was tested by Denis Shapovalov in his first competitive match of 2021 but ultimately came through in straight sets and some excellent stats on his first and second serve.
- After that display there is no need to worry for the condition if the Serb as he tries to win the ATP Cup for Serbia for a second year running, though he may well be fighting for the tie here unless Dusan Lajovic upsets the odds.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV
- 23-year-old Alexander Zverev won his first ATP Cup match at the second year of asking in a brilliant fight back from a set down to Denis Ahapovalov, who beat him at this stage last season.
- After Jan-Lennard Struff’s heroics in the first tie against Milos Raonic, Zverev was able to complete Team Germany’s win to leave a doubles dead rubber but he will likely be fighting for their place in the semi-finals against Djokovic.
THE PREDICTION
World number seven Alexander Zverev has beaten Novak Djokovic twice before in his career, and to win two titles at that in the finals of the 2017 Rome Masters and 2018 ATP Finals. However, as his early raw talent has curtailed a little, though he is of course still a young man, he has struggled to match the Serb in their more recent matches, with a straight-sets defeat to Djokovic at last Novembers ATP Finals a fairly comprehensive defeat. World number one Novak Djokovic will likely have the added incentive of saving the tie for Team Serbia if Jan-Lennard Struff beats Dusan Lajovic in the first tie but he would not need it to beat Zverev here. The way Djokovic played against Shapovalov suggests that Zverev could take him to a tiebreak but a straight-sets victory for Djokovic is the likely outcome. That should make for an electrifying doubles decider worth getting up for at 3AM UK time.
