Novak Djokovic defeats Tommy Paul, while Stefanos Tsitsipas defeats Karen Khachanov at the Australian Open 2023.

Novak Djokovic steamrolled another opponent, beating Tommy Paul to advance to the Australian Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Serbia’s Djokovic, 35, overcame a stutter in the first set, re-establishing his authority to defeat the American 7-5 6-1 6-2.

After defeating Russian Karen Khachanov, Tsitsipas, 24, now has another chance to win his first Grand Slam title.

Tsitsipas, the third seed from Greece, defeated Khachanov 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3.

Tsitsipas lost to Djokovic in the French Open final in 2021 and now has the chance to avenge that defeat in his first appearance in the Australian Open final.

To win the trophy on Sunday, he must become the first player to defeat Djokovic, 35, at Melbourne Park since 2018.

Djokovic is aiming for a record-extending 10th title, which would equal Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 major men’s titles.

Djokovic’s father will be watching the semi-finals from home.
Reactions to Tsitsipas reaching the Melbourne men’s final
Tsitsipas, who will become world number one if he wins the title, secured his place after overcoming Khachanov and saving two match points in the third-set tie-break.

Another tight forehand cost him a third chance in the final game, before regaining his composure to convert his fourth when the 18th seed batted long on a first serve.

Asked what he was thinking when the match went into a fourth set, Tsitsipas said: “I thought about how hard I’ve worked to get to this position.

“However, if you stick around, dedicate yourself even more, and focus even more in the crucial moments, it pays off.”

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