Djokovic sets up Australian Open final date with Tsitsipas

• Novak Djokovic has set up an Australian Open final date with Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas after defeating Tommy Paul 7-5 6-1 6-2
• The Serbian has equalled Serena Williams on the all-time list for most Grand Slam singles finals reached, 33

Novak Djokovic has set up an Australian Open final date with Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas after defeating Tommy Paul 7-5 6-1 6-2. 

The Serbian has equalled Serena Williams on the all-time list for most Grand Slam singles finals reached, 33. He also set a new record for most consecutive match-win at Australian Open, 27, surpassing Andre Agassi.

Novak Djokovic. Photo/ MX24TV.

Novak Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday. The 35-year-old is now looking forward to equaling Rafael Nadal’s record tally of 22 Grand Slam titles. 

Djokovic Sees Off Tommy Paul 

Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic looked nervous at the start of the match and had to save two break points in the opening game before moving into a 5-1 lead. 

Paul got back into the game as Djokovic lost 11 out of the next 13 points, dropping serve twice. Paul forced a tie-break, but the boo from the fans at the Rod Laver Arena helped Djokovic regain his focus. The Serbian won the first set and celebrated by cocking his ear to the crowd.

Djokovic broke serve at the start of the second set, but his opponent was unable to land anything more than a fleeting blow. In the end, it was Djokovic who claimed victory to book an Australian Open final date with Stefanos Tsitsipas. 

Speaking after the game, Novak Djokovic said he was really pleased to have reached another final. 

“I’m just really pleased to get to another final. I respect him (Tsitsipas) a lot, he has improved a lot over the years. I actually think he’s one of the most interesting guys on tour with his interests off court, his hairstyle. But it’s all business on Sunday. Let the best player win.” Novak Djokovic said, as per Sky Sports. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas Defeats Karen Khachanov 

Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas has found another opportunity to win a Grand Slam after reaching the final of the Australian Open. The 24-year-old Greek won 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 against Karen Khachanov. 

Tsitsipas started the match confidently, having the backup of a vocal crowd. He had defeated Khachanov in all their last five meetings, and this one was not going to be an exception. 

Khachanov could not cope with Tsitsipas’ dynamic athleticism and pounding groundstrokes as the Greek won the first two sets. Tsitsipas broke early in the third set and moved into a 5-4 lead. There was nothing less than a win expected from Tsitsipas as he served for the match. 

Speaking after the win, Tsitsipas said that he feels blessed for being able to put Greek tennis on the map.

Stefanos Tsitsipas. Photo/ The Japan Times.

Stefanos Tsitsipas lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final and now has the opportunity to take his revenge in Melbourne. If he wins, he will become the new world number one and the first player to defeat Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park since 2018.