Confident Djokovic primed for Tsitsipas in Australian Open final
Novak Djokovic will be the overwhelming favorite to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final on Sunday and equal Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
If he defeats the Greek in the third set, the 35-year-old Serb, who has won all nine of his previous finals at Melbourne Park, will reclaim his world number one ranking.
Tsitsipas, who lost to Djokovic in his only other major final, the French Open in 2021, will, however, become the world number one for the first time if he pulls off an upset.
"Winning Grand Slams and reaching number one in the world are perhaps the two largest peaks that a professional tennis player can achieve," Djokovic remarked.
The fourth seed, who was deported from the Australian Open last year due to his anti-Covid vaccine stance, believes that his vastly superior experience at this level of the tournament gives him a big advantage.
"I believe that having been in this particular situation and circumstances before helps," he remarked.
"I also believe that the fact that I have never lost an Australian Open final serves as a fantastic confidence booster leading up to Sunday."
Tsitsipas, who is pursuing his maiden Grand Slam title, will have something to say about that.
The 24-year-old believes he has developed as a player and as a person and is now better suited to the big stage in his quest to become the first Greek player to win a major championship.
"I couldn't be more prepared for this moment," Tsitsipas said, becoming the youngest man to reach the Melbourne final since a 23-year-old Djokovic in 2011.
"This is a very humbling chance for me, being in the finals here means a lot.
"Having begun here as one of my first junior Grand Slams and being now in the finals of the men's event is as important as my very first steps that I took on the tennis court.
"I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity."
Djokovic is a big favorite because of his extensive experience and success on the Melbourne hardcourts, and he also has a 10-2 career record against Tsitsipas.
But he's been dealing with a hamstring injury and off-court distractions since his father was photographed posing next to a fan holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin's face on it.
Tsitsipas stated that he was prepared to generate a commotion.
"I'm playing fantastic tennis. I'm having a good time. "I really don't see any disadvantages or disadvantages in what I'm trying to do out there," he remarked.
"I truly believe in what I'm capable of producing. That is more than sufficient."
Both players are undefeated this season, so something must give.
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