Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev will go head-to-head on Rod Laver Arena on Friday night in what is set to be an engaging Australian Open semi-final.
Medvedev has featured in two deciders at Melbourne Park, while Zverev has never progressed past the semi-final stage.
Who will secure their ticket to Sunday’s final?
The Sporting News previews the match
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Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev odds, prediction, match details
Match: [3] Daniil Medvedev vs. [6] Alexander Zverev (GER)
Date: Friday, January 26
Round: Semi-Final
Court: Rod Laver Arena
Start Time: 7:30 pm (AEDT)
All odds courtesy of TAB.
Daniil Medvedev win: $1.68
Alexander Zverev win: $2.20
Handicap lean: Medvedev -1.5 games ($1.85)
Set prediction: Medvedev in 5 sets ($4.50)
This match has all the signs of a tight and potentially lengthy encounter.
Both players have already played two five-setters this tournament, so their energy levels should be similar. Although, Zverev could be fresher after a dominant four-set quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz.
The German is known for his aggressive play, so expect him to come out flying and likely take the first set.
However, Medevedev’s strong defence and mental fortitude will put him in good stead for such an important match.
The former world No. 1 has built a reputation as a ‘marathon man’, and if the match goes the distance, he’s got the ability to edge it out.
We’re predicting a topsy-turvy five-set epic, with Medvedev taking the win.
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Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev best bet
Pick: First set winner – Zverev
Odds: $2.00 (TAB)
Zverev is a fast starter, so Medvedev will need to be on it from the get-go.
The German has won every opening set this tournament except for his first round match against Dominik Koepfer.
His performance against Alcaraz was particularly impressive, flying out of the gates to win the first set 6-1.
Medvedev has lost the opening set twice this tournament and edged out Hubert Hurkacz in a tiebreak in his last match.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev head-to-head record
Medvedev holds a strong head-to-head advantage over Zverev, winning 11 of their 18 encounters.
He has also emerged victorious in four of their last five meetings.
Interestingly, they have never played each other at grand slam tournament level.
Medvedev vs. Zverev: Last five H2H matches
| Year | Tournament | Surface | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ATP Finals – RR | Indoor Hardcourt | Medvedev 7-6(7) 6-4 |
| 2023 | Beijing – SF | Outdoor Hardcourt | Medvedev 6-4 6-3 |
| 2023 | ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati – R16 | Outdoor Hardcourt | Zverev 6-4 5-7 6-4 |
| 2023 | ATP Masters 1000 Rome – R16 | Outdoor Clay | Medvedev 6-2 7-6(3) |
| 2023 | ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo – R16 | Outdoor Clay | Medvedev 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5 |
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Daniil Medvedev vs. Alexander Zverev live stream, TV channel
The Nine Network will broadcast Medvedev and Zverev’s semi-final live and free on Channel Nine.
The match can also be streamed via Stan Sport and 9Now.