The Australian Open women’s final is set, and now it’s time to determine who’ll be facing off in the men’s decider.
On one side is a tale of redemption with two players who are trying to enter uncharted territory; on the other, the forever champion against the contender no-one saw coming.
Follow Day 12 at the Australian Open including the men’s semi-finals in our live blog!
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TSITSIPAS-KHACHANOV PREVIEW
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ young career so far has had two main features: enormous, obvious talent, and the consistent pain of falling short.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon, Tsitsipas has become one of the flag-bearers of tennis’ next generation.
Of course, there have been many ‘next generations’ in tennis amid the big three’s reign of terror. The Nishikori/Raonic types have already been skipped, and world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz arguably leads his own fleet of promising newcomers again.
But it has appeared for some time that Tsitsipas and players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev were tennis’ best shot at replacing the men who’ve dominated the sport for so long.
‘Dangerous’ – Stefanos almost DQ’ed | 00:31
Medvedev got there first, winning the 2021 US Open – and stopping Novak Djokovic from completing the Grand Slam – and claiming the world No.1 crown in early 2022. But before the Russian’s charge, it was the Greek who seemed the sport’s heir apparent.
And he has been so close, particularly at the Australian Open, which he considers his home slam due to the enormous Greek contingent in Melbourne. His 20-5 win-loss record at Melbourne Park makes it his most successful slam in terms of win percentage.
Ever since his famous 2019 win over Roger Federer, Tsitsipas has made four semi-final appearances in five years – a brilliant run in anyone’s book. Yet he has not gone that one step further, twice losing to Medvedev in the last four, and once to Nadal.
This, then, is Tsitsipas’ best chance of a grand slam final since his lone appearance – at the 2021 French Open, when he came agonisingly close to beating Djokovic, but gave up a two-set lead.
That loss could’ve easily destroyed the 24-year-old. And, while gutted, he knew time was still on his side.
“What I learned today is that no matter what, in order for the match to be finished, you have to win three sets and not two,” Tsitsipas said after that final.
“Two sets doesn’t really mean anything.”
But he added: “Despite my loss today, I have faith in my game.
“I very much believe I can get to that point very soon. I was close today.”
That positive mentality has helped him make this year’s run to the semi-finals; and Tsitsipas said he was “a different player” from the past ahead of his showdown with Russian 18th seed Karen Khachanov.
Korda hurts wrist, Khachanov marches on | 00:47
The Greek third seed proved too powerful in the quarter-finals for unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka on Rod Laver Arena, storming home 6-3 7-6(2) 6-4 as he zeroes in on a maiden major title.
Asked afterwards if he felt differently from previous years and believes this could finally be his year, the 24-year-old Tsitsipas said: “I’m feeling great with my tennis. I don’t think I felt so good in a long time.
“I will definitely say yes to it. I’ve said it, I’m a different player, playing different. My mentality is different.
“When I’m out on the court, I don’t really think of negatives, to be honest. I just go out there and play the game.
For Khachanov, he’ll be looking to defy some significant historical struggles against top five players.
The Russian has lost all seven of his previous top five opponents at majors, with his biggest scalp Juan Martin del Potro, then the ninth seed at the French Open in 2019.
– with AFP
Winning shot from CRAZY ANGLE for Aussie | 00:40
DJOKOVIC-PAUL PREVIEW
Novak Djokovic said he “sent a message” at the Australian Open by thrashing Andrey Rublev to make the semi-finals and edge closer to a 22nd Grand Slam title.
The Serb was in the zone to blitz past the Russian fifth seed 6-1 6-2 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena and set up a meeting with Tommy Paul for a place in Sunday’s final.
The unseeded American defeated countryman Ben Shelton 7-6(6) 6-3 5-7 6-4 in his quarter-final.
Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title was far from smooth at the start, plagued by a hamstring strain suffered en route to the title at Adelaide this month.
The 35-year-old struggled physically in the early rounds but was dominant during his fourth-round demolition of Alex de Minaur and was ruthless once more against Rublev.
“Last two matches, playing against two guys who were in form and to beat them dominantly in three sets is something that I definitely want in this moment, something that sends a message to all my opponents,” he said.
“With this kind of game the confidence level rises, so I feel better on the court as the tournament progresses.
“I’ve been in this situation so many times in my life and career,” he added after reaching a 10th semi-final at Melbourne Park. Only Roger Federer (15) and Jack Crawford (11) have been there more often.
Ruthless Djokovic destroys Rublev | 01:23
“I’ve never lost a semi-final in the Australian Open, hopefully that will stay the same.” Victory for the red-hot favourite propelled him into a 44th Grand Slam semi-final to close the gap on Federer’s all-time record 46.
In another astonishing record, he clocked a 26th consecutive match-win at the Australian Open to equal Andre Agassi’s Open-era record for longest streak at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Djokovic will meet Paul next for the first time and the American is excited at the prospect of facing the Serbian great in his maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
The 35th-ranked Paul will be heavy underdog, but he struck a positive tone.
“I’m really excited, man. I probably have a better chance of winning if it’s Rublev, but to play Novak here in Australia would be awesome,” the 25-year-old American said.
“Obviously he’s pretty comfortable here in Australia. It’s going to be a challenging match.
“But I’m playing some of my best tennis.”
But player-turned-commentator Sam Smith believes Paul is a chance.
“I like this matchup, they’ve never played before. Always make the player expected to win – Novak goes in the heavy favourite – a little uncertain,” Smith said on Nine.
“I really hope the Aussies get to know Tommy Paul, he’s a quirky guy, he’s got quite a funky game and he’s got an ace card up his sleeve because he’s coached by a chap called Brad Stine who is an old school style mentor, he took Jim Courier to the title here many years ago so he knows what he’s doing.
“One thing I know about Tommy Paul is he will have a great game plan, A, B and C to try and see if he can make a dent in Djokovic’s game and, really, he can swing very freely. He’s already had a great tournament, there could be some danger here tonight for Novak.”
– AFP
Paul through to maiden Grand Slam semi | 01:15
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 12 – ORDER OF PLAY (All times AEDT)
Semi-finals
Rod Laver Arena
[18] Karen Khachanov (RUS) v [3] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)
Night session from 7:30pm
[4] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Tommy Paul (USA)
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