Melbourne, Australia – Fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic secured a spot in the Australian Open men’s singles final with a commanding victory over American Tommy Paul in the semifinals on Friday.
The Serbian player defeated Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2, putting him one victory away from his 10th Australian Open title and 22nd career Grand Slam crown.
Despite starting the match with some unforced errors and showing frustration towards his team, Djokovic quickly regained control and dominated the match.
“I’m really thankful that I have enough gas in my legs to be able to play at this level,” Djokovic said after the match. “It’s a great battle, first of all with yourself and then your opponent. You don’t have much time between points, so those long rallies you can really feel them.
“We both had happy legs in the first set. I was really fortunate to hold my nerves near the end of the first set. … I’m just really please to get through to another final.”
With his win, Djokovic continues to make history in the world of tennis. He has now reached 33 Grand Slam finals, extending his Open Era record, and at 35, he is the fourth oldest man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open final.
With 27 consecutive wins in Melbourne dating back to 2019, Djokovic now boasts the biggest winning streak in the history of the tournament.
Djokovic will face third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday. If he defeats Tsitsipas, Djokovic will tie Rafael Nadal for the most men’s singles titles in Grand Slam history.
The final will also mark the 15th anniversary of Djokovic’s first Australian Open and Grand Slam title in 2008 over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
“I have a pretty vivid and strong imagination,” Djokovic said. “I don’t think I could have imagined the way things turned out. I”m super blessed and grateful, that’s all I can say. I’m really trying the cherish every moment.”
The world will be watching as Djokovic continues to make history and strive for his 10th Australian Open title. Tune in on Sunday to see if he can secure the victory and make it another historic moment for the world of tennis.
