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(COMBO) This composite photo taken on Jan. 27, 2023 shows Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas (L) reacts after winning a point at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 24, 2023, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (R) reacts at the same tournament on January 25, 2023. – Djokovic and Tsitsipas played in the men’s singles final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament on January 29. (AFP)
MELBOURNE, Australia – Novak Djokovic will be a strong favorite to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final on Sunday and equal Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam crowns.
The 35-year-old Serb, who has won all nine of his previous finals at Melbourne Park, will return to world number one if he beats the Greek in the third set.
But Tsitsipas, who lost to Djokovic in his only previous major final, at the French Open in 2021, will be the top seed if he can pull off an upset.
“Winning the Grand Slam and being number one in the world are probably the two biggest peaks you can climb as a professional tennis player,” Djokovic said.
The fourth seed, who missed the Australian Open last year when he was deported due to his Covid vaccination position, believes that his superior experience at this stage of the tournament gives him a significant advantage.
“I think that experience in certain situations and situations before helps,” he said.
“I also think the fact that I’ve never lost in an Australian Open final is definitely a confidence booster before Sunday.”
Tsitsipas will talk about it as he seeks his first Grand Slam crown.
The 24-year-old believes he has matured as a player and person and is now better suited for the big stage in his quest to become the first Greek player to win a major title.
“I couldn’t be more ready for this moment,” said Tsitsipas, the youngest man to reach the Melbourne final since 23-year-old Djokovic in 2011.
“It’s a humbling opportunity for me, to be in the final here means a lot.
“Having started here as one of the first junior Grand Slams and now in the final of the men’s event is as important as the first step taken on the tennis court.
“I’ll take this chance.”
Djokovic could be a heavy favorite due to his experience and success on the Melbourne court, and he also has a 10-2 career record against Tsitsipas.
But he has struggled with a hamstring injury and off-court distractions after his father caused a scandal when he was pictured next to a fan with a Russian flag featuring Vladimir Putin’s face.
Tsitsipas says he is ready to cause disruption.
“I play good tennis. I like myself. I just don’t see any flaws or negativity in what I do,” he said.
“I really believe in what I can do. That’s more than enough.”
Both players are undefeated this season, so something has to give.
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