China vs Serbia | Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic Preview & Prediction | 2024 United Cup
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THE FACTS
When is Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic on and what time does it start? Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic will take place on Sunday 31st December, 2023 – not before 09:00 (UK)
Where is Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic taking place? Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia
What surface is Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic being played on? Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic
What channel is Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic on in the UK? Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic cannot be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic in the UK? Tennis TV subscribers can stream Zhizhen Zhang vs Novak Djokovic live in the UK
THE PREDICTION
World number one Novak Djokovic comes into 2024 with a clear set of records left to achieve: a first Gold Medal at the Paris Olympic Games, a Golden Slam, and a further 12 ATP titles to win before he becomes the overall record-breaker – beating Jimmy Connors’ 109 titles. The Serb will turn 37 in May but he proved himself by far and away the best player in the world still late last season, coming back from a historic defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon to win the Cincinnati Open, US Open, Paris Masters and ATP Finals. A defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, in singles and doubles, scuppered his titles streak at four but that should serve only to hand him a clean slate to build on in 2024. The United Cup offers Djokovic at least six matches, three singles and three doubles, to warm himself up for the incoming Australian Open but he is unlikely to factor in any dead rubber matches and it should be noted that he will prioritise his own fitness over results this week.
That makes this first clash with world number 58 Zhizhen Zhang very interesting indeed, particularly as the Chinese rising star came back from a set down to stun Jiri Lehecka on Saturday for some huge match practice in his legs. Djokovic has been known to come back from a break rather slowly in recent years but there was little sign of that last season and his record in Australia speaks for itself, with his last defeat in this part of the world coming in that famous shock by Hyeon Chung in 2018. Zhang helped China to a surprise 3-0 win over Czechia on Saturday to take some pressure off of this blockbuster but the 27-year-old will likely throw everything he has at it nonetheless. Back Djokovic to win outright, with a choppy three-setter likelier than straight sets.
TIP: NOCAK DJOKOVIC TO WIN
