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Novak Djokovic described Stefanos Tsitsipas as “one of the most interesting characters” in tennis but warned his rival not to expect any favors as it will be “all business” when the two meet in the Australian Open final on Sunday. .
The Serb overcame Tommy Paul in straight sets on Friday night to reach his 10th final at Melbourne Park and his fourth in the last five years.
Earlier on Friday, Tsitsipas had to work much harder to prevail 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 over Karen Kachanov and will claim the world number one ranking if he beats Djokovic. on Sunday. .
Novak Djokovic reached his tenth Australian Open final after beating Tommy Paul
‘He [Tsitsipas] he’s gotten better over the years and I think he’s one of the most interesting guys on tour with his off-court interests and his hairstyle,” Djokovic told Jim Courier on court shortly after beating Paul.
However, he warned that there will be no room for feelings on Sunday night.
“It’s all work on Sunday for both of us,” he continued.
‘May the best player win. Winning Grand Slams and being number 1 in the world are probably the two biggest peaks you can climb as a professional tennis player. So yes. Let’s see what happens. I’ll see you in two days, Stefanos.
Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Karen Kachanov 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 to qualify for the final
The Greek will become world number 1 if he beats Djokovic in Sunday’s final
While Sunday will mark Djokovic’s 33rd Grand Slam final, it will be only the second time Tsitsipas has reached the decider of a major tournament.
His only appearance so far in a Grand Slam final came two years ago, when he lost to Djokovic after blowing a two-set lead at Roland Garros.
And the Serb hinted that another severe test awaited him as he sought to win a record tenth title at Melbourne Park.
“It was a physical and mental battle,” Djokovic said as he reflected on his 2021 clay-court triumph.
“It’s always with Stefanos and I respect him a lot.”
The Greek squandered a two-set lead to lose in five sets to Djokovic in the 2021 Roland Garros final, in what is so far his only Grand Slam final appearance.
Djokovic taunted the crowd after being booed late in the first set on Friday night.
Tsitsipas relished the prospect of resuming his rivalry with the 21-time Grand Slam champion, insisting that “these are the moments I’ve been working hard on.”
The world number 4 fell at the semi-final hurdle in three of his previous four appearances at Melbourne Park, but survived a tough test to reach the final of a major where he has enjoyed great support throughout years.
“To be able to play finals like this, but finals that have a bigger meaning than just the final,” he said.
‘It’s a Grand Slam final, I’m fighting for the number 1 spot, it’s a childhood dream to capture the number 1 spot one day. I’m around.
But the Serb received a lot of support from his fans, who roared it loudly.
“I’m happy that this opportunity comes here in Australia and not somewhere else because this is an important place.”
Djokovic was involved in a couple of controversial moments on the court on Friday, when he shared an icy exchange with the referee after being reprimanded for a shot clock violation and taunted the crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
Leading 5-1 in the first set, Djokovic fretted over a service clock violation when he went to get his towel.
The 35-year-old seemed to argue that the clock should start after he picked up his towel on court, as ball boys can no longer hand out towels to players.
Djokovic blew his lead as Paul won four games in a row, before finally rallying to take the first set 7-5 to a chorus of boos.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner was clearly unimpressed with the crowd’s reaction and appeared to taunt the onlookers by covering his ear.
But there was also plenty of cheering and applause for Djokovic, with Serbian flags strewn all over Rod Laver Arena.
When asked about the boisterous support he received from his fans, the Serb replied: “It means everything, especially at this stage of my career.”
“I need that energy and I’m very grateful that I still have enough gas in my legs to be able to play at this level on one of the biggest tennis courts in the world.”