Novak Djokovic wary of semifinal underdog in quest for 22nd Slam title at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has won all nine of his Australian Open semi-finals and is not ready to let Tommy Paul ruin his unblemished record on Friday as he seals his 22nd Grand Slam crown.

The Serbian, who won his first Slam at Melbourne Park in 2008, struggled physically in the early rounds this year due to a hamstring injury.

But straight-set thrashings Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev for the loss of only 12 games ominously signaled that the favorite returned to the best for the semi-finals.

If he beats unseeded American Paul on Rod Laver Arena, he will face third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or 18th seed Karen Khachanov of Russia as the final roadblock to a 10th Australian Open title on Sunday.

Djokovic has extra motivation to go forward and equal Rafael Nadal’s 22nd Grand Slam crown after missing last year’s event when he was deported due to his Covid vaccination position. In his absence, Spain won.

“I always try to give my best, especially at the Grand Slam, because at this stage of my career this is the most tournament,” said the 35-year-old.

“But you can say there’s something extra this year. You can say because, yeah, the injuries, what happened last year, I just want to do well.

“Now I have a perfect score on Australian hard courts, in Adelaide (which I won) and here. I have been playing better and better. I couldn’t ask for a better situation now.

With Djokovic winning a record 26 matches at the Australian Open – equaling Andre Agassi’s Open-era record at the year’s first Grand Slam – the 35th-ranked Paul is a heavy underdog.

The 25-year-old was a surprise semi-finalist, making it this far in the main for the first time at his 14th attempt.

“We’ve never played a single game. Obviously they’re very comfortable here in Australia,” Paul said.

“It will be a challenging match, but I played my best tennis, so it’s a good time.”

Djokovic said he had been keeping an eye on the American and would not underestimate the challenge.

“He probably played tennis all his life,” he said. “Explosive player, very dynamic. I think he can hit all points with his serve. Very complete player.

“It’s the first semi-final for them, so they’re not going to lose.”

‘A magical experience’

Tsitsipas meets Khachanov in the last four on Friday, aiming to snap three semi-final defeats in Melbourne, including in the past two years.

Now 24, he believes he has matured and it could finally be his year as he bids to become the youngest champion since Djokovic won the title in 2011 at the age of 23.

“I feel good with my tennis. I don’t think I’ve had it for a long time,” said the Greek.

“I’ve said it – I’m a different player (than before), I play differently. My mentality is different.”

He has won all five of his previous meetings with Khachanov, most recently at last year’s Rome Masters, and says he is eager to face the Russian again.

“This is the match I’m looking forward to,” he said. “I expect more, better. Looking to create some magical experiences in Australia.

The 26-year-old Russian also reached the semifinals of September’s US Open.

He has now made the quarter or better in all four Grand Slams and will draw on his experience playing the Greek star.

“I think the first semi-final, which I did at the US Open, that gave me an extra push and an extra confidence to show where I really am, and what I can do when I’m at my best,” he said.

“I think all of that together, they pushed me to where I am today.”

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