ARQ007

A big number, but this looks set to be a tight and likely lengthy affair. World #7 Djokovic leads the career head-to-head 9-4 at the main level, but most of their meetings came some years ago. In their last 5 clashes, Zverev leads the service/return points won totals by 102 to 98, despite losing 3 of them. Much of that is due to Djokovic’s better performance on the big points, the Serb taking a healthy 50% of break points versus 33% for Zverev. The German is 1-12 at majors versus top 5 players, but in those 12 matches (1 was a retirement), Zverev has actually taken the opening set in 50% of those encounters. When the pair last met (on hard in Cincinnati in 2023), the match was won 7-6, 7-5 by Djokovic in over 2 hours, so a keenly contested 4+ sets seems likely.

Djokovic (ranked 7) leads the career H2H 9-4 at main level, but most of their meetings came some years ago. In their last 5 clashes, World #2 Zverev leads the service/return points won totals by 102 to 98, despite losing 3 of them. Much of that is due to Djokovic’s better performance on the big points, the Serb taking a healthy 50% of BPs vs 33% for Zverev. Although the German is 1-12 at majors versus top 5 players, in those 12 matches (1 was a retirement), Zverev has actually taken the opening set in 50% of those encounters. A small risk here.

Things look to be back on the up for Southend as a consortium led by an Aussie businessman just completed the takeover of a club that was in the second tier in 2007 (when they also reached the League Cup QFs). Manager Kevin Maher has worked wonders during his time in charge, navigating a transfer embargo and spells where he and his players were not paid. Despite all the off-field noise, Maher guided the club to a ninth-placed finish last term ??" if not for a 10-point deduction, they’d have made the play-offs and finished sixth. That performance was built on defensive solidity - no side conceded fewer than their 45 goals (20 less than title winners Chesterfield). Only 21 conceded at Roots Hall, the lowest total in the league, and they will again try to turn their home ground into a fortress. The club reported last week that they're on course to sell more season tickets than since that 2006/07 season in the Championship.” So with positivity all around, some shrewd acquisitions and the foundations to mount a serious challenge at the top of the table I think they can go well.