Nine-time winner Novak Djokovic is the favourite to claim the men’s singles title at the 2023 Australian Open, after booking his place in the final four of the year’s first tennis grand slam.
Also into the semis at Melbourne Park are Tokyo 2020 Olympians Karen Khachanov**** and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Olympics.com looks ahead at what to expect in the semi-finals on Friday (27 January) .
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul
Djokovic marched past Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, reaching his 10th semi-final at Melbourne Park and his 44th in any Grand Slam. He has never lost in the semis or final at the Australian Open.
The Serbia star, who has been concerned by an injury to his left leg, which has remained strapped at this year’s tournament, also tied a record of 26 straight wins at the AO, held by his former coach, Andre Agassi.
Djokovic is the current world number five. He remains confident of achieving his target of a 10th Grand Slam title in Australia.
“I have to be ready for that match. Not approach it any different than I have the last couple of matches. If I play this way, I think I have a good chance to go through,” he said at the post-match press conference, looking ahead to the semi-final against Paul.
Paul, who is ranked 35th in the men’s ATP tour, could prove to be a hungry and unpredictable opponent for 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Djokovic**.**
The debutant Grand Slam semi-finalist from New Jersey, USA, ended compatriot Ben Shelton’s dream run at the Open with a four sets win (7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4).
The 25-year-old hopes he can pull an upset at Melbourne and is confidently aiming for the final.
“Making it to the second week of a slam, that’s everyone’s dream when they start to play tennis. I can’t believe I’m here right now,” he stated.
“I’m not satisfied. I’m going to go out there to win.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Karen Khachanov
Greek third seed Tsitsipas, who will be the top ranked player in the last four, beat Use Lehecka 6-3, 7-6, 6-4, to qualify for his fourth semi-final at Melbourne.
The world number four was stretched by Czechia’s Lehacka in what he later admitted was a “difficult three-setter”.
How did he do it?
“Experience and some good Spartan attitude,” he answered as he looked ahead to his next match against Khachanov for a spot in the men’s finals.
On head-to-head, Tsitsipas holds a better record against the Russian.
Khachanov is an Olympic silver medallist from Tokyo 2020 in 2021, where he represented ROC.
The 26-year-old had earlier seen off seeded players in Yoshihito Nishioka and Frances Tiafoe on his way to the quarterfinal showdown against American Sebastian Corda which ended prematurely.
Korda, aged 22, was forced to retire from the match due to a wrist injury with scores standing at 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-0.
Men’s semi-finals draw at the Rod Laver Arena (All local timings AEDT, which is GMT+11)
Day 12 – Friday 27 January 2023 – Night Session
- 7:30pm Stefanos Tsistipas (3) vs Karen Khachanov (18)
- Followed by – Novak Djokovic (4) vs Tommy Paul
Where to watch the Australian Open 2023
Viewers in Australia can watch the Australian Open on the Nine Networkthe free-to-air broadcaster. The Nine network is broadcasting across it’s various channels.
In Europe, you can catch the tennis action live on Eurosport. ESPN has the rights in the U.S. where action is also livestreamed on ESPN+.
Highlights can also be found on the official AO YouTube channel.
