Alexander Zverev has welcomed the backing of Novak Djokovic to become the next Australian Open champion, saying the 10-time champion helped him out of a mental hole last year.
The German world No.2 booked his first Melbourne Park final after the shock withdrawal of an injured Djokovic after he lost the first set 7-6 (7-5) of their semi-final on Friday.
The crowd at Rod Laver Arena erupted in boos after hopes of a five-set thriller were dashed, with Zverev defending his rival in an on-court interview and calling for respect for all Djokovic had achieved at the Open.
