Melbourne, Jan 28 (FN Bureau) In this world full of uncertainty, one thing that can be counted upon is that Australian Open 2023 men’s singles final promises will make tennis history.On Sunday, Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas will vie to have their name etched on to the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. The nine-time AO champion is pursuing a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam, while his younger challenger aims to secure a breakthrough maiden major. The stakes could not be higher for this unmissable showdown between two warriors who have started the 2023 season undefeated. Beyond laying claim to the year’s first Grand Slam and earning $2.975 million in prize money, the victor will also ascend to the world no.1 ranking. This would be another first for Tsitsipas. Djokovic described the upcoming encounter as “one of the most special matches throughout the year,” as one of only four Grand Slam finals. “I’m really excited and privileged to be in that final against Tsitsipas,” said the Serb, whose vocal fans will undoubtedly be out in force on Rod Laver Arena. “I do want to make more history of this sport, no doubt,” he said. “I have professional goals and ambitions — those are Grand Slams and being No. 1 in the world. Those two probably pinnacles of the professional tennis world have always been there as goals for me.” “I have the motivation, I have support [of those close to me] … I feel game-wise physically I still can sustain and maintain the top level,” Djokovic said. He spoke of his gratitude to his wife for caring for their children while he competes for major titles, adding, “It allows me to be able to do what I love and still make some strides, significant strides, in this sport. “Contesting his record 33rd Grand Slam final at the age of 35, the Serb’s stoush against Tsitsipas, 24, represents the largest age gap in an AO men’s singles final in the Open era.
“This is exactly what I’ve imagined and hoped would happen when I came to Australia, with intention to be in a position to fight for another Australian Open trophy,” Djokovic said. “I also think the fact that I [have] never lost the Australian Open finals definitely serves as a great confidence booster,” he added. Djokovic boasts a 9-0 record on final Sundays in Melbourne Park. “It keeps me going”: Nadal rivalry driving Djokovic on. “I just love playing in Australia, love being here,” he said. Earlier this month the Serb saved match point en route to clinching the Adelaide International 1 title. Tsitsipas, who has lost nine straight matches to Djokovic, including one from a two-sets-to-love lead in the 2021 Roland Garros final, loves Australia too. Aiming to become the first Greek Grand Slam singles champion on Sunday, Tsitsipas has repeatedly echoed how at home he feels Down Under, not only because the climate is similar to his homeland, but because of the national flags and cheers that follow him to every match. “[I] couldn’t be more ready for this moment…this is a very humbling opportunity for me,” he said.He added that one of his first tennis memories was watching Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis battle Roger Federer in the AO 2006 final. Nine years later, he made his first trip to Melbourne to compete in the boy’s singles tournament, a precursor to some of the biggest wins of his adult career, including a four-set upset over Federer at AO 2019 and a five-set victory over Rafael Nadal at AO 2021. “I’m playing great tennis. I’m enjoying myself,” he said. Tsitsipas has dropped just three sets at AO 2023. “I genuinely believe in what I’m able to produce. “He has served 69 aces this fortnight, ten more than Djokovic, which explains his ability to produce stellar tennis under immense pressure. “I think it starts with confidence, what your capabilities [are], what you can do out there…I have a good relationship with myself on the court,” he added.
He has never lost a five-set match at the AO.” I proved myself over and over again that I’m actually good. I did finish as a junior No.1. Now I want to do it in men’s professional tennis. “Should Tsitsipas claim glory, he’ll join an esteemed list of only eight active players to have won a men’s major singles title: Djokovic, Nadal, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz. And despite the lopsided head-to-head advantage, Djokovic knows his younger foe presents a challenge. “[He] is in great shape, great form, has been playing some of his best tennis. I’m sure that he’s going to be very motivated to win his first Grand Slam title,” said Djokovic, who hasn’t lost on Australian soil in five years.” I know his game pretty well. He knows my game well,” added the Serb. “I know what’s ahead of me, and I’m excited.”Hampered by a hamstring injury earlier this fortnight, Djokovic has shown streaks of vulnerability.He dropped a tiebreak set to France’s Enzo Couacaud in the second round, was broken three times by Grigor Dimitrov in their third round meeting and was broken twice by Tommy Paul in the semifinals. The father-of-two described Paul’s comeback from 1-5 to 5-5 in their opening set as a “crisis”. “I was really tight on the court…I was struggling also physically and emotionally,” admitted Djokovic. He explained that he feels pressure, stress and nerves, like any other player, “I know every single Grand Slam is a golden opportunity for me to try to get another trophy — I don’t know how many more [opportunities] I’ll have. “But if results speak for themselves, Djokovic, who has spent a record 373 weeks at world No.1, is not like most other players, AO reported.In men’s singles, only Nadal has more Grand Slams, with 22. If the Serb has his way, he’ll pull equal by the time the last ball is struck on Sunday.