Takes on Tommy Paul in semis; Tsitsipas up against Khachanov
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic, winner of 21 major titles, nine Australian Open trophies, ranked No. 1 for a record 373 weeks, has nothing to prove to anyone. Even to himself. But at age 35, making his 18th appearance at Melbourne Park, a year after he was deported for his vaccine stand, the Serb is looking for payback. And nothing short of a tenth Norman Brookes vase would suffice.
But expressly, there's that business of the semifinals, where Djokovic will take on American Tommy Paul, his first time in the last-four of a Slam. The 25-year-old world No. 35 has never played Djokovic.
Third-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas plays the resurgent Russian Karen Khachanov for a place in the final. Tsitsipas is in the driver's seat in that headto-head, having won all five of the pair's meetings. However, they've never crossed paths in a best-of-five format.
Djokovic's left hamstring has dominated discussions across all media platforms in the lead-up to the Australian Open. After his last two wins, where he has dropped a total of 12 games in six sets, against the 22nd seed Alex de Minaur and the fifth seed Andrey Rublev, safe to say that Djokovic is looking fresher and sharper than he has in a long time.
"I can't really say that this is the most confident that I ever felt because I've had some incredible seasons, years here in the Australian Open, some matches that are really unforgettable for me," he said. "But the last two matches, playing against two guys that are in-form players, to beat them dominantly in three sets definitely sends a message to all my opponents.
"I feel good on the court, better and better as the tournament progresses," said Djokovic, who has never shied away from owning the script. "I've been in this situation so many times in my life, never losing a semifinal match in the Australian Open."
The Serb doesn't just stay afloat in an undercurrent of tension, he swims freely, pushing through the ripples of negativity. The goalposts are clearer than inpristine conditions.
"I don't think that I lack determination. I always try to give my best, particularly in Grand Slams, because at this stage of my career those are the tournaments that count the most," said Djokovic, who is looking to equal Rafael Nadal's record of 22 major titles.
"But you could say that there is something extra this year, you could say because of the injury or what happened last year… I've just wanted to really do well." And the rest of the draw is feeling the heat.
