Australian Open: ‘I’m 110%’, Djokovic joins Tsitsipas in final

This is not surprising … 35-year-old Novak Djokovic reaches the final of the Australian Open for the 10th time in his career. The Serbian, undefeated in Melbourne for five years and twenty-seven games, in three short sets (7-5, 6-1, 6-2) got rid of the American Tommy Paul and joined Stefanos Tsitsipas, who scored the Russian Khachanov a few hours earlier.

An uneventful win, save for a somewhat strange first set by the Belgrade resident who led 5-1 and made it to the end before being brought to 5-5. A simple incident for a nine-time tournament winner who didn’t really need to strain his sore left hip, the target of all eyes and some controversy from the start of the competition.

The towers pass, and the opponents, even in the form of their life, continue to disappear. The last three outings of the Serbian (De Minaur, Rublev and Pavel) were very revealing. Almost unplayable.

“See you in two days, Stefanos!” »

“I still have enough fuel in my legs,” Djokovic blows. I’m not as fresh as when I started the tournament, but I’ve been through it many times in my career. The first battle with myself. I had heavy legs in the first set, but I kept my nerves, I hit the ball much better and I am very glad that I was in good health. Ideally. Energy level, I’m at 110%. See you in two days, Stefanos! »

On Sunday, Djokovic will once again make history at the Rod Laver Arena. If he wins (knowing he hasn’t lost any of his nine local finals), he’ll take three one-shot shots with a 10th Australian coronation, a return to the world No. 1 seat and, above all, a 22nd. Grand Slam on Rafael Nadal’s return to heights.

The last time he was in such an advantageous position (the possibility of a calendar Grand Slam and a then-record 21 majors), Djoko completely missed the event against Medvedev. But this time the Greek will really have to be very strong to block his path.

Two years ago, in the Roland-Garros final, Tsitsipas swept two sets to zero before returning to Belgrade and causing a commotion in the closet. “Quite a positive memory,” Djokovic smiles. I first encountered such a handicap in the final of a major. Physically, mentally, emotionally, it was something. I have a lot of respect for him, he is one of the most interesting guys on the track off the court. »

Fifteen years ago, the record hunter won the first Grand Slam of his career in Melbourne against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. “I always have a wild imagination,” he says. But I wouldn’t believe it. And it’s probably not over yet…