"I'm happy on one side to be in the final of the Australian Open. On the other hand, there is no guy I respect more than Novak," insisted Zverev. "Whenever I have struggles I could always text him, whenever I needed advice, whenever I struggled mentally. He is always someone who has helped a lot. Last year in Shanghai, when things weren't going well after the US Open, we talked for hours.
"He has won this tournament 10 times and I have nothing but respect for him."
Djokovic, who sustained the injury during his pulsating Elite 8 triumph over Carlos Alcaraz, hasn’t given up on that elusive major No.25.
"I wish Sascha all the best. You know, he deserves his first slam. I'll be cheering for him. Hopefully he can get it here," said Djokovic.
"I've been getting injured quite a bit last few years. I don't know what exactly is the reason for that. Maybe several differently factors. But I'll keep going. I'll keep striving to win more slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I'll be around."