4 min read
Novak Djokovic is one win away from his record 10th Australian Open title. The only obstacle left in his way is Stefanos Tsitsipas. Sunday in Melbourne will be the 13th meeting between Djokovic and Tsitsipas, who is seeking his first major championship.
Tsitsipas is contesting his second Grand Slam final after reaching the Roland Garros championship match in 2021. He lost that final to Djokovic, who, incredibly, forgot all about it even though the Greek had led by two sets to love.
“He has never made the finals of a Grand Slam, am I wrong?” Djokovic said in press.
It's time to preview the last match of the 2023 Australian Open with Universal Tennis INSIGHTS.
(4) Novak Djokovic (UTR 16.31) vs. (3) Stefanos Tsitsipas (16.02)
There’s a lot on the line in this matchup as the two are battling for the title and the No. 1 ranking on the ATP Tour. It would be Tsitsipas' first time at the top of the game. If Djokovic wins, he will catch up with Rafael Nadal to tie the record for the most Grand Slams in history at 22.
"I like that number … It's a Grand Slam final, I'm fighting for the No.1 spot, it's a childhood dream to be capturing that No.1 spot one day," Tsitsipas said. “I'm close. I'm happy that this opportunity comes here in Australia and not somewhere else, because this is a place of significance."
But Tsitsipas has a huge task ahead if he wants to make history. Djokovic leads their overall head-to-head record 10-2, having won their last nine encounters, including four wins last year.
Djokovic is used to being the favorite, and INSIGHTS gives him a 64% chance of raising the trophy inside Rod Laver Arena once again. He has the edge over Tsitsipas in UTR Ratings, head-to-head record, and win-loss record.
NOVAK IS GOING FOR 10 🏆 👀@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/4r3pfX0AxU
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2023
The Road to the Final
Djokovic has never lost a semifinal or final in Melbourne, going a perfect 19-0 in the latter stages of the tournament. He’s also on a 40-match win streak in Melbourne Park, though he missed last year’s event.
To get to the final, the 35-year-old Serbian has taken out Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, and first-time major semifinalist Tommy Paul. He’s dropped just one set, in his very first match against qualifier Enzo Couacaud.
Tsitsipas has beaten Quentin Halys, Rinky Hijikata, Tallon Griekspoor, Jannik Sinner (a five-set affair), surprise quarterfinalist Jiri Lehecka, and Karen Khachanov.
When dreams come true 🤩@steftsitsipas • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/mZGMMDpIaT
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2023
The Bottom Line
Tsitsipas will have to put on a herculean performance to upend Djokovic on what is largely considered his home court, even though the crowd may be behind Tsitsipas thanks to the large Greek population in Melbourne. Djokovic’s experience will likely be too much for the second-time Grand Slam finalist.
INSIGHTS PREDICTION: Universal Tennis INSIGHTS picks Djokovic at 64%.
•UTR Ratings and INSIGHTS probabilities as of 9:00 a.m. EST, January 27, 2023.