Djokovic knocks off unseeded American Tommy Paul in the semifinal and will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final.
But with Paul committing a rash of errors in a jittery stretch early, the Aussies got behind the American, roaring with gusto each time he won a point, whether it was earned on his own skill or a Djokovic error.
After falling behind 0-3, Paul steadied himself, and Djokovic started making mistakes, groused at his coach, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, and jawed with the chair umpire over the shot clock. Meantime, Paul reeled off four consecutive games to pull even, at five games each, prompting Djokovic’s Serbian supporters to rally their compatriot. Djokovic regained his focus to claim the set, 7-5, and turned to the stands to coax more cheers from flag-waving Serbs. From there, he needed only a dousing of cold water and a specially mixed drink prepared courtside by one of his two physical trainers to close the match with minimal drama and maximum authority. For Paul, one of a cohort of young American men who have ascended the rankings of late, along with Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Sebastian Korda, reaching his first semifinal of a major proved how far he has come. Friday’s meeting with Djokovic, however, revealed the gap that remains — a gap that every one of Djokovic’s opponents has felt this tournament. Tsitsipas, 24, earned his first spot in the Australian Open’s final with a 7-6 , 6-4, 6-7 , 6-3 victory over Russia’s Karen Khachanov. Tsitsipas blasted 18 aces and 66 winners en route — nearly all on his blistering forehand — to extend his career record against Khachanov to 6-0.The 6-foot-6 Khachanov has no shortage of power, either, but has labored in the shadow of fellow Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. But he is a dangerous opponent and derailed the Australian Open bids of Tiafoe and Korda to reach the semifinals.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Voorhees, NJ native Tommy Paul beats Ben Shelton in all-US quarterfinal at Australian OpenTommy Paul's mother was in the crowd for the biggest victory of his career. He said Mom booked a flight after he won his fourth-round match, then went straight from work to the airport to make the long journey from the U.S.
Read more »
Tommy Paul Beats Ben Shelton in All-US QF at Australian OpenTommy Paul has reached his first Grand Slam semifinal and ended the surprising run of Ben Shelton by winning their all-American matchup 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 at the Australian Open. [Photo: Getty Images]
Read more »
Tommy Paul’s girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, steals show with sweet Australian Open momentTommy Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze, steals show with sweet Australian Open moment
Read more »
Australian Open predictions: Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Paul odds, pickNovak Djokovic is a massive -2500 favorite over American Tommy Paul in the semifinals on Thursday night. Here’s how we are betting the match.
Read more »
Tommy Paul Is Finally Having the Tournament of His LifeFor the second consecutive major, an American man has reached the semifinals. This time, at the Australian Open, it's Tommy Paul, whose reward is a date with Novak Djokovic. chrisjalmeida and jon_wertheim discuss his path to this point
Read more »
Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic ousts American Tommy Paul in men's semifinalsFourth-seeded Novak Djokovic is one victory away from his 10th Australian Open men's singles title and 22nd career Grand Slam crown after ousting surprise American Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 on Friday in the semifinals in Melbourne.
Read more »