Novak Djokovic takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas for tenth win at Australian Open | Tennis

Apart from a somewhat difficult first set, Djokovic never got into trouble. The Serbian took a 5-1 lead, but relinquished it after Paul broke his serve. The American came back to 5-5, after which Djokovic took the set after all. Djokovic hardly had any problems in the second and third set. The 35-year-old Serbian is now unbeaten for 27 consecutive matches at the Australian Open.

Djokovic, nine-time winner of the tournament in Melbourne, is chasing his 22nd grand slam title. Last year, Djokovic was not allowed to participate in the Australian Open because he does not want to be vaccinated against the corona virus.

In the final, Djokovic will face Tsitsipas on Sunday, who has been stuck in the semifinals of the Australian Open in recent years. The Greek dropped two match points in the third set against Khachanov, but struck in the fourth set. Tsitsipas reached the Roland Garros final in 2021, in which he had to beat Djokovic in five sets. Tsitsipas then lost a 2-0 lead in sets.

Tsitsipas will replace Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz as world number 1 if he wins the Australian Open. “I like that number,” said the Greek. “As a child I dreamed of becoming number 1. I’m very close now. These are the moments I work so hard for… Let’s do it guys”he then shouted to the noisy audience.

Tsitsipas failed in the semifinals in Melbourne in 2019, 2021 and 2022. His fourth attempt to reach the final succeeded. “As a child I saw Marcos Baghdatis here on this track in the final”, the Greek referred to the Cypriot who reached the final in 2006. ,,Marcos is one of my favorite players. The fight I fought here today brought back memories of watching him in front of the television.”