Supreme Novak Djokovic steeled for Tsitsipas test in Australian Open final

Serb has appeared to be more dominating than ever, but underestimating his opponent's outstanding season in Melbourne would be a fatal error.After ruthlessly eliminating Alex de Minaur in the fourth round, Novak Djokovic spoke about a field without any previous grand slam champions in the draw. Stefanos Tsitsipas was the most seasoned player remaining, according to Djokovic, but as he listed Tsitsipas's career highlights, Djokovic's memory failed. I believe he has never participated in a championship game, am I right?It just so happened that Djokovic, who rallied from a set down in the 2021 French Open final, defeated Tsitsipas in his lone grand slam final. It served as another another reminder of Djokovic's many accomplishments. Once you've advanced to 33 finals, it It just so happened that Djokovic, who rallied from a set down in the 2021 French Open final, defeated Tsitsipas in his lone grand slam final. It served as another another reminder of Djokovic's many accomplishments. It is difficult to recall every final when you have made it to 33 of them.Every player has experienced Djokovic's dominance at some point, especially on Rod Laver Arena, but there are fewer players than in prior years who have a chance to actually challenge Djokovic. The biggest worry, outside Djokovic's potential hamstring issue, was unquestionably a final versus Tsitsipas.Their victory in the French final provided a preview of Tsitsipas' potential. He displayed all of his qualities throughout the course of two sets, from his tenacity in winning the first set tiebreak to the intensity with which he sustained it. Tsitsipas is aware of his strong serving abilities, forehand dominance at the baseline, and ability to use his agility and deft touch to keep up with Djokovic during upcoming cat-and-mouse matches. He is aware of how difficult the task will be, though. Tsitsipas stumbled as soon as Djokovic improved his performance in Paris.

The remaining of their meetings have been lopsided, despite Tsitsipas winning two of their first three matches, both on outdoor hardcourts. Since 2019, Djokovic has a 10-2 record against him and has won nine straight games. The Serb is skilled at drawing attention to Tsitsipas's obvious flaws. The Greek's return of service may be vulnerable when he settles into a routine, and Djokovic can often depend on his stronger backhand to take advantage of Tsitsipas's backhand in the home court.Each important match Djokovic competes in has historical ramifications. With a victory, he will tie Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam victories for men.A tenth Australian Open victory would be historic in and of itself. The only person to win more than 10 titles at a single grand slam is Rafael Nadal, a 14-time winner of the French Open. Given how well-coordinated and athletic he is, Djokovic's age is not often brought up, but achieving these feats at age 35 is incredible.For the most part, every match or event at this point in Djokovic's career has something on the line because of all of his accomplishments, especially when the grand slams are being played.

Two players who have gone undefeated this season will square off in the final, and the winner will move up to the top spot the following day. Djokovic won his first match of the year in Adelaide, but Tsitsipas went undefeated at the United Cup. While Tsitsipas seemed to have unlocked something new, Djokovic has reverted to his previous level of dominance.Tsitsipas may perform best on the clay at Roland Garros, but the energy in Australia in front of a sea of Greek supporters is unrivalled. They have undoubtedly contributed to his greatest tennis, and the possibility of being the first Greek grand slam winner and No. 1 in these circumstances means far more to him than if it were anyplace else.Tsitsipas's experience is seen at both the press conference and on the court. After overcoming Karen Khachanov, he was scheduled to meet Djokovic in Paris. I don't recall either, Tsitsipas said without hesitation.