We therefore know the identity of the one who should try to prevent Novak Djokovic from winning his 22nd Grand Slam. Stefanos Tsitsipas, world number 4, indeed qualified this Friday in Melbourne for the final of the Australian Open, beating the Russian Karen Khachanov (20th) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3. This will be his second major final after Roland-Garros in 2021.
“As a child, I saw Marcos Baghdatis play in the final here and I thought to myself that I too would like to play on these courts one day. So it reminds me of childhood memories, ”savored the 24-year-old Greek, referring to the 2006 final lost by the Cypriot player against Roger Federer. Barring an earthquake, Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Novak Djokovic (5th) in the final on Sunday, in search of a 22nd Grand Slam title, who is about to play his half against the unexpected American Tommy Paul (35th).
Djokovic or Tsitsipas world number 1 on Sunday?
We are therefore heading towards the same poster as during the Roland-Garros final in 2021, when Tsitsipas seemed to be heading straight for his first Grand Slam, leading 2 sets to 0, before collapsing in the following three sets ( 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4). Will we be entitled to a confrontation as intense as these 4:11 in France on Sunday? “I feel blessed to play at this level. I’ve been working for this for years, ”said Tsitsipas this Friday, who will have the possibility of becoming world number 1 in the event of an exploit on Sunday.
“I like that number,” he said after his half. These are the moments for which I work a lot. There is more than one win in these big games. And I am happy that this chance presents itself here. Opposite, Novak Djokovic could also become world number 1 again, at the expense of the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, if he wins his 22nd Grand Slam, synonymous with equaling Rafael Nadal’s record.