Stefanos Tsitsipas Plays Novak Djokovic In Dream Final
Australian Open
January 27, 2023
Stefanos Tsitsipas is on a mission to beat Novak Djokovic in the Aussie Open final – and become world number one for the first time.
That’s a tall order for any young pretender – but the Greek superstar feels he is ready.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has found a new level and should be phenomenal to watch at Wimbledon 2023 too!
Even though it took him three hours and 21 minutes to see off big-serving Karen Khachanov, he was always the boss.
Eventually Tsitsipas prevailed 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.
The big question is this: can he tame the great Djokovic in only his second major final, when Novak is playing his thirty-third?
Djokovic came from two sets down to win their last final at Roland Garros – and this one has added spice.
There can be no greater incentive than the prospect of becoming number one in the world. Both men are aiming for it.
‘I love that number,’ Tsitsipas admitted. ‘These are the moments I’ve been working hard for. It’s a Grand Slam final. But it has wider significance.
‘I’m also playing for the number one spot. I’ve been dreaming of that since I was a kid too. Let’s do it guys!’
Djokovic agrees about the extra significance of this showdown: ‘Winning Slams and being number one are the two biggest peaks you can climb in tennis.’
Can Stefanos Tsitsipas become world number one before Wimbledon 2023?
First things first: ‘I’m extremely happy that I’m in the final now. I dreamed as a kid that maybe one day I would reach the final and play one of the best players. From watching as a kid on TV, I’ve worked for this..
‘I feel blessed for the fact that I’m able to play tennis at this level. I wanted to put Greek tennis on the map and I’ve done an incredible job I think.’
Tsitsipas squandered match points in the third set against the Russian and lost the subsequent tie-break – but he didn’t panic. ‘It doesn’t matter. You find a way,’ he explained.
But will Djokovic leave a way open? Novak has played nine finals in Australia already. He’s driven by the desire to draw level with Rafael Nadal on 22 majors.
And he looks unbeatable after brushing aside brave American Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.
But Tsitsipas has the power to cause damage. Former great John McEnroe said of Stefanos: ‘I’ve never seen anyone hit forehands that hard – and I’ve been watching tennis for a long time.
‘I’ve never seen a guy hit six or seven returns like that consistently. It was phenomenal.’
Stefanos Tsitsipas will aim to unleash that power in the Aussie final and at Wimbledon 2023 later this year.
Djokovic will try to supress that talent with his own supremely clinical game. It should be a great final in Melbourne – and we take Novak to win in four sets.
But this is Grand Slam tennis and anything can happen!
Novak said: ‘I’m really happy to play this level at one of the biggest tennis courts in the world. My energy level is perfect.
‘Stefanos in two days. I know what’s expected of me and experience helps. It’s always physical and emotional with Stefanos. Let the better player win.’
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