Stefanos Tsitsipas is in a Grand Slam final for the second time in his career. The 24-year-old Greek beat Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 in his semi-final in Melbourne on Friday.
Tsitsipas had already played for his first major triumph at the French Open in 2021, but lost in the final to Novak Djokovic in five sets.
Tsitsipas could now meet the title favorites from Serbia again in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday. Djokovic will duel with the American Tommy Paul for the second final ticket on Friday.
Tsitsipas and Khachanov offered a close duel at eye level from the start. When it came down to it, the Greek attacked with determination and used his experience at the highest level. Khachanov, who already saved two match points in the third set, also lost his second major semifinal after last year’s US Open.