Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev LIVE score, updates, commentary from Australian Open semi-finals

It's the blockbuster semi-final of the Australian Open - Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev at Rod Laver Arena on a Friday afternoon.

Djokovic was incredible in his dismissal of Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and he will be eyeing an 11th title at Melbourne Park.

Zverev will be keen to banish the memories of his AO semi-final in 2024, where he lost against Daniil Medvedev after being up two-sets-to-love.

The Sporting News is following Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev live, providing score updates and commentary as it happens.

MORE: Australian Open semi-final predictions, betting tips, odds including Djokovic vs. Zverev, Sinner vs. Shelton

Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev live score - Australian Open semi final

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Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev updates, highlights and commentary

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2:15pm: This is Zverev's third semi-final at the Australian Open, having never progressed to the final. In 2020, he lost in four sets to Dominic Thiem, while last year he was two-sets-to-love up on Daniil Medvedev before going down in five.

2:00pm: There has been rumours that Djokovic has struggled to train over the past couple of days. But we have all heard stories of Novak's injury demise and then he has gone on to win majors before.

1:45pm: Djokovic has won eight of the 12 matches against Zverev, with all but two of them coming on hard courts.

1:30pm: This contest will definitely begin shortly after 2:30pm local time. There will be no delays for the start time.

1:15pm: What a match today is going to be. It will be only the second match between the two since 2021 in a weird draw anomaly.

1:00pm (local time): Welcome to Rod Laver Arena for today's blockbuster semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev prediction

Can you ever write off Djokovic?

The 10-time AO champion looked dead and buried after losing the first set against Alcaraz and appearing to be injured.

But Djokovic fought back to play some of the best tennis we have seen from in years to thrash the Spanish youngster in four sets.

If he brings the same level, it's going to be hard for Zverev to win the match.

Zverev had a strange quarter-final against Tommy Paul - he could have easily lost the first two sets as the American served for both.

But the world no.2 got the job done in four sets, blitzing Paul in the fourth set.

However, he will need to be at the top of his game to beat Djokovic and reach a third grand slam final.

There also might be mental demons for Zverev, who lost last year's semi at Melbourne Park after being two-sets-to-love up against Daniil Medvedev.

Intriguingly, the pair have only met once since 2021, with Djokovic winning in straight sets at the Cincinnati Masters on hardcourt in 2023.

Prediction: Djokovic in four sets.

Just like the previous match, can you ever back against Djokovic in Australia?

Zverev is playing some reasonable tennis but he will have to raise his game way beyond the levels he has shown recently.

Djokovic should win through to have a chance at an 11th Australian Open title.

How to watch the Australian Open: TV channel, free-to-air guide in Australia

The Nine Network remains the free-to-air broadcaster of the Australian Open for 2025.

Games are shown across the various channels in Nine's portfolio – Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Go!.

Matches involving Australians or notable players are typically prioritised on free-to-air.

Consult your local TV guide for the latest schedule.

Australian Open live stream: How to watch online in Australia 

Fans can stream this year's Australian Open via subscription service Stan Sport, where every match is streamed live, ad-free and available on-demand. 

Notably, games played on Rod Laver Arena are available in 4K.

On top of this, Stan Sport exclusively host 'Grand Slam Daily' – a highlights and talking points show airing at 7:00 am AEDT each day.

Watch every match of the Australian Open ad-free with centre court in 4K on Stan Sport

9Now also offer free online streaming of Nine's broadcasts across Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Go, as well as access to non-broadcast games.