MELBOURNE, Australia — After Novak Djokovic‘s dominant fourth-round Australian Open win over Alex de Minaur, the 21-time Grand Slam champion was asked about the other seven men remaining in the draw. He zeroed in on Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“Tsitsipas [is] probably the most experienced guy out of all the quarterfinalists. He has played the final stages of a Grand Slam quite a few times. I think he has never played a final,” questioned Djokovic.
A reporter was quick to correct him: “You beat him in Roland Garros [2021]. It was a good match. You came back.”
“That’s right. That’s right. Sorry, my bad,” replied a smirking Djokovic.
Was it early gamesmanship or simply forgetfulness from the Serbian? Either way, it’s a fascinating subtext to Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final when Djokovic and Tsitsipas step out onto Rod Laver Arena and battle for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
For all of the upsets and uncertainty at 2023’s season-opening Slam, the showpiece match will feature the most successful tennis player in Melbourne Park history and the current world No. 4. It’s hardly a shock decider.
Djokovic, the early favorite, leads the head-to-head 10-2, but Tsitsipas is in career-best form and shouldn’t be taken lightly by the nine-time Australian Open champion.
“I’m playing great tennis. I’m enjoying myself. I just see no downside or negativity in what I’m trying to do out there,” Tsitsipas said after his semifinal win over Karen Khachanov. “This is something that has been sort of lacking in my game. I genuinely believe in what I’m able to produce.”
History will be made, regardless of who prevails. Djokovic is hunting a record-equaling 22nd major title, while Tsitsipas will look to become the first person from Greece to win a Grand Slam. Plus, if the stakes weren’t already high enough, the winner will be the new ATP world No. 1.
Get set for what should be an epic men’s final.
Why Stefanos Tsitsipas will win
Before Tsitsipas faced Djokovic in that 2021 Roland Garros final, he played perhaps the most grueling and intense match of his career: a five-set semifinal against Alexander Zverev, which lasted three hours and 32 minutes.
“It was just exhausting. It was nerve-wracking. So intense,” said Tsitsipas after he was able to eek out the win.
The final against Djokovic two days later also went to a deciding set and Tsitsipas appeared to…
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