Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is not getting carried away after cruising past World No. 6 Andrey Rublev on Wednesday at the Australian Open.

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) title is [Tommy Paul](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/tommy-paul/pl56/overview), now up to a career-high No. Now you have a list of maybe four or five young players that are knocking on the door of the top level. [It is] tough to compare because I've been fortunate to really live through a lot of success at the [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview). There are set to be 10 Americans in the Top 50 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday, and the 92-time tour-level titlist Djokovic welcomed the emergence of a strong group of players from a nation that will host 11 tour-level events in 2023. We want to see young, successful players that are coming from a big country like [the United States], of course.” “Look, [the United States] is an extremely important country for our sport,” said the 92-time tour-level titlist. 6 [Andrey Rublev](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/andrey-rublev/re44/overview) on Wednesday night in Melbourne. “[It is a] first [Grand Slam] semi-final for him, so of course he doesn't have much to lose. “I've been in this situation in so many times in my life, in my career, [and] never lost a semi-final at the It will be a maiden tour-level meeting between the two, but Djokovic does not expect any surprises when he lines up against the American on Friday on [Rod Laver](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rod-laver/l058/overview) Arena. “So far, I have a perfect score on Australian hard courts [this year], in Adelaide and here. That is definitely something that I want in this moment.

Eurosport expert Boris Becker has made it abundantly clear that Novak Djokovic "thrives" on noisy atmospheres as he gave a positive perspective on loud ...

Not only the power of the serve but also the many free points that resulted from it. "At the beginning of his career, the serve was a weakness in his game," Becker said. "Today, that also made the difference. "You need the feedback. "But he has understood over the years that the serve is important, and has also worked on improving it - and now it is his strength. "He has been on the tennis tour for quite a few years now, and he has been a bit injured physically - that he always finds the motivation and the strength to play his best tennis right on the dot is impressive.

Novak Djokovic was facing more controversy today after his outspoken father Srdjan was filmed posing with a Russian flag that has Vladimir Putin's face ...

Among the Serbian flags there is a Russian flag, Putin, Z-symbol, so called Donetsk People Republic flag. ‘It’s a full package. After watching his son's quarter-final win at the Australian Open he was seen posing with a Russian flag featuring Vladimir Putin's face [Novak Djokovic](/sport/novak_djokovic/index.html) is facing more controversy after his outspoken father Srdan was filmed posing with a Russian flag that has Vladimir [Putin](/news/vladimir_putin/index.html)’s face emblazoned on it. [Youtube](/sciencetech/youtube/index.html) shows Srdan posing alongside the flag and a sympathiser who shouts ‘Long Live Russia!’. Novak Djokovic's father is seen posing with a Russian flag featuring Vladimir Putin's face while a supporter shouts: 'Long live Russia!'

Srdjan Djokovic filmed telling pro-Putin supporters 'long live Russian citizens'; footage follows arrest of pro-Russian fans at Australian Open.

This is racism. This is an attack on honour and dignity. This is an attack on freedom in Australia. This is discrimination. In the video, posted by Aussie Cossack on to YouTube, Srdjan Djokovic appears to say “zivjeli Russiyani” or “long live Russian citizens” before he leaves. “This is about honour and dignity now.

Novak Djokovic was handed a message taped to a drink bottle · Unfolded early in quarter-final win over Russian Andrey Rublev ...

Novak Djokovic is once again the talk of the Australian Open after footage emerged of the fourth seed receiving a message taped to his water bottle from his entourage (pictured, reading the message) [complained of a fan who was 'drunk out of his mind'](/sport/tennis/article-11653227/Novak-Djokovic-LOSES-loudmouth-tennis-fan-Australian-Open.html) in the early rounds. [Novak Djokovic](/sport/novak_djokovic/index.html) is once again the talk of the [Australian Open](/sport/australian_open/index.html) after footage emerged of the fourth seed receiving a message taped to his water bottle from his entourage during his quarter-final win over Russian [Andrey Rublev](/sport/andrey-rublev/index.html) on Wednesday. The water bottle Djokovic received from his team armed with a message - what was written remains unknown - Novak Djokovic was handed a message taped to a drink bottle Another controversy surrounds Djokovic at the Australian Open - with Serbian superstar pictured receiving a sachet taped to his water bottle during win over Andrey Rublev

In footage uploaded to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account on Thursday, Srdjan Djokovic is seen standing alongside a man who is holding a Russian flag with ...

We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.” “Victoria Police intervened and are continuing to question them. Other chants included references to Validimir Putin and Ukrainian regions targeted by the Russian invasion. “The Russian empire has had its flag banned. Reports therefore translated the full phrase to mean “long live the Russians”. All four men were evicted.” Good luck when the empire strikes back.” This is an attack on honour and dignity. This is an attack on freedom in Australia. Before departing, Djokovic Sr appears to say “zivejli Russiyani”. He said on Twitter Thursday that the latest incident was shameful. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo.

Novak Djokovic made it a record-equalling 26 wins in a row at the Australian Open with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals; ...

I was really excited to see her and have her here." "I was actually, when I first heard, pretty nervous because we've had a good thing going here and I didn't really want to change anything. I couldn't ask for a better situation to be in at the moment." "After that, I heard him, but he was supporting Rublev. Maybe not first time, second time, but after that, yes, then I ask the chair umpire to react. "So far, I have a perfect score in Australian hard courts, in Adelaide and here.

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic's father has been filmed posing with fans brandishing pro-Russian flags at the Australian Open in scenes Ukraine's ambassador on ...

"It's a full package. Police were called and they were ejected from Melbourne Park. Advertisement

It will be a battle of experience versus new talent when Novak Djokovic takes on Tommy Paul in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

- Channel 9 TV channel Australia (Sportsbet) UK (Skybet) USA (Vegas Insider)

Srdjan Djokovic was filmed posing with Vladimir Putin supporters outside the Australian Open, after four men were thrown out of the men's quarter finals.

Novak Djokovic equalled the record of former coach Andre Agassi with a 26th consecutive victory at the Australian Open to reach the semi-finals; Djokovic, ...

Cranking up the pressure on the Shelton serve, Paul got the decisive early break, though he could have gone up a double break at one point. "I'm pumped to be here and excited to play in the next round. He joins John Isner and Frances Tiafoe as the only active American men to have reached the last four of a major. Doing well in a Grand Slam is everyone's dream." The latest success is his 26th consecutive victory at the Australian Open, equalling the record of former coach Andre Agassi. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn't speak the truth of the match.

While the breezy win sent an ominous warning to his Australian Open rivals, he revealed he's been hooked up to machines to treat his lingering hamstring ...

I’ve been in this situation in so many times in my life, in my career, never lost a semi-final in Australian Open,” he said of the unsurprising yet staggering stat. I’m going to keep going.” Novak Djokovic is on a 39-match winning streak stretching back to 2018.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic was still in the first set of his Australian Open quarterfinal against Andrey Rublev when the guy who would face the ...

One might think Tsitsipas would be the one who would like to forget that ever happened, but it was Djokovic who seemed to not remember the other day, when he said about the 24-year-old from Greece: “He has never played a final, am I wrong?” Reminded by reporters about Roland Garros, Djokovic replied: “That’s right. But after playing at something less than his best, what he has said is a rigorous treatment regimen and “a lot” of pain-killing pills helped him look superb lately: He has won 11 consecutive sets and ceded just 27 games. But after his flight landed, he was detained at the airport, his visa was canceled and he was sent to an immigration hotel. Open for the second year in a row.) A judge later reinstated the visa and ordered Djokovic’s release, ruling he wasn’t given enough time to speak to his lawyers. 18 Karen Khachanov in Sunday’s final, Djokovic would earn his 10th championship at the Australian Open, adding to a mark he already owns, and his 22nd from all Grand Slam tournaments, equaling Rafael Nadal’s record for men.

Russian flags have been banned from the tournament in Melbourne but were seen being waved during Djokovic's clash with Andrey Rublev earlier this week.

We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies." Following the controversy, a statement was released by Tennis Australia, condemning the Putin support. 1, after his father was pictured with pro-Putin Russians outside the Rod Laver Arena.

Video showed Djokovic's father Srdjan posing with a man holding the Russian flag with the face of Vladimir Putin printed on it.

Novak Djokovic was dialled-in and fired up as he delivered a devastating quarter-final display Wednesday to breeze past Andrey Rublev at the Australian ...

The Serbian is unbeaten at the [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) from the semi-finals onwards, having lifted the title on all nine occasions when he has reached the last four. [Tommy Paul](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/tommy-paul/pl56/overview), a 7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 winner in an all-American clash with [Ben Shelton](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/ben-shelton/s0s1/overview), in the Melbourne semi-finals as he bids to equal [Rafael Nadal](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/n409/overview)’s record of 22 Grand Slam crowns. His past two performances appear to have quashed any doubts surrounding the 35-year-old’s left hamstring issue, which hampered him in his first three matches at Melbourne Park, as he chases a record-extending 10th [Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview) title. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday as a result of his Melbourne run. The 92-time tour-level titlist finished the match having won 80 per cent (45/56) of points behind his first serve. He reeled off five straight games from 1-1 to take the opening set and then seven straight games from 1-2 in the second, never allowing Rublev to settle on serve. I'm playing very solid from the back of the court and really love playing in these conditions on this court... I've got tonnes of respect for him, one of the biggest forehands, one of the the quickest players on the Tour. "Overall I think that the scoreline in the first two sets doesn't speak the truth or the reality of the match,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. So that's what makes me the most pleased tonight." 6 Rublev, but he took command early and barely looked back in the pair’s maiden Grand Slam meeting. Djokovic was taking on the highest-ranked opponent of his Melbourne campaign so far in World No.

The Serbian plays Tommy Paul in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday while Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Karen Khachanov.

“Every single thing you try to do on the court takes a lot of effort. I’m very happy to be out on the court. I’m very happy to be performing. “The coaches have been telling us, ‘We need new Americans, we need new Americans’. I feel good on the court, better and better as the tournament progresses. I think we all want it pretty bad for ourselves, but we want it for US tennis, too.”

Spectators are banned from having Russian or Belarusian flags at the Grand Slam after Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, ...

I don’t know what you want me to answer. Are you covering politics? Are you a politician? Does it frustrate you, particularly last night, for example, there was a clear sort of pro-Russian demonstration happening within the grounds of the tournament, that these people are coming and using the Australian Open as a platform for these kind of demonstrations. These incidents that in my opinion have nothing to do with players, but somehow you keep dragging players into it. I just asked him what was the accident [sic]. Do you think about it? Is it difficult for you when you go out there to put all those things out of your mind? Q. We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.” Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo.

The Australian Open told CNN it has "briefed and reminded" players and their entourages about the tournament's "policy regarding flags and symbols" on ...

The symbol has been seen on Russian equipment and clothing in Ukraine. “Long live the Russia,” he says. The man is wearing the “Z” symbol on his shirt, while holding a Russian flag with Putin’s face on it.

Novak Djokovic has won all nine of his Australian Open semi-finals and is not ready to let Tommy Paul ruin his unblemished record on Friday as he closes in ...

“I’m looking ahead for more, for better. “So far I have a perfect score in Australian hard courts, in Adelaide (which he won) and here. I couldn’t ask for a better situation to be in at the moment.” “I think the first semi-finals, which I did in US Open, that gave me an extra boost and extra confidence to show where I really am, and what I can do when I’m at my best,” he said. “It’s a match that I’m looking forward to,” he said. “Very explosive, very dynamic player.

Paul, who had never made it past the fourth round of a Grand Slam before this run in Australia, booked his place in the last four by seeing off countryman ...

I probably have a better chance of winning if it's Rublev, but to play Novak here in Australia would be awesome.' I had to just put in as many returns as I could. I think it's even cooler if I do play (Djokovic). Video re-emerges of America's new tennis hero Tommy Paul appearing to deliberately snub Novak Djokovic handshake... as pair prepare to face off in huge Australian Open semifinal tomorrow 'It wasn't the prettiest match ever today but it was how I needed to play the match.

Tommy Paul will have his work cut out for him in his first Australian Open semi-final as he comes up against nine-time winner Novak Djokovic, ...

Approx. Friday, January 27 Channel 9 TV channel UK: Coverage of the Australian Open 2023 will be broadcast in the UK live and exclusively on Eurosport. How to watch Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul in the semi final of the Australian Open

Tennis Australia have warned Srdjan Djokovic after the father of the nine-time Australian Open champion was filmed posing for pictures alongside a group ...

Tommy Paul will have his work cut out for him in his first Australian Open semi-final as he comes up against nine-time winner Novak Djokovic, ...

Approx. Friday, January 27 Channel 9 TV channel UK: Coverage of the Australian Open 2023 will be broadcast in the UK live and exclusively on Eurosport. How to watch Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul in the semi final of the Australian Open

And the one name that he missed was Tommy Paul. Which is sort of symbolic of Paul's career. He was a great junior player but didn't have quite the resume of ...

JW: Yeah, I mean, this is kind of the this is sort of the apotheosis of the culmination of this American success. They had five or six of these guys hanging around the top 20, always in the second weeks of majors. It sort of reminds me of France in the late aughts and early 2010s. For a few years, he was just fighting to get into the main draws at the majors. As cool as it was to see Seb Korda and the young and promising Ben Shelton and all these guys make it to the second week, I don't think most people thought they had realistic shots to win the tournament. Djokovic has never lost in an Australian Open semifinal and at age 35 is playing some of the most elevated tennis of his career. He's got to be on the shortlist of the most athletic players on tour. Paul was something of a late bloomer in the juniors before winning the French Open. The fact that he's winning best of five matches speaks to that. And there's a real maturity that took a few years to develop but now is part of his game. He'll be the overwhelming underdog, but in a way he's OK with that role. Paul has always sort of fallen through the cracks.

The controversial 35-year-old made global headlines as he was deported from Australia and banned from competing in the prestigious competition last year, ...

It came after Eurosport tweeting 'Novak Djokovic defied the umpire (Aurelie Tourte) to take an early bathroom break in his first match at the Australian Open.' Knowingly or not, on Wednesday Djokovic was seen signing something for a man who had earlier been wearing a ‘Z’ T-shirt - Z having become the makeshift logo of the Russian invaders of Ukraine. Then I ask the chair umpire to react.' 'If somebody steps over the line and starts making comments that are not related to support of the other player, he just wants to provoke and insult, then stepping over the line is something that I react to. 'So she told me (you didn't capture that with camera) I had to hurry up. It is interesting to see how the narrative surrounding me continues, narrative that is different compared to other players that have been going through similar situations. They've done a lot of work to protect themselves and their borders.' 'The guy is drunk out of his mind,' a furious Djokovic directed at the umpire. It is very interesting, I don't feel I need to prove anything. Djokovic lost only five games against De Minuar, despite calling for medical timeouts in both his second and third-round matches. Either I'm not a good enough tennis player to expose that, or it looked good to me. He's not here to watch tennis, he just wants to get in my head.

The Ukrainian ambassador is calling on Tennis Australia to impose sanctions on Srdjan Djokovic; Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from the Australian Open ...

Is he supporting war in Ukraine? "Is he supporting Putin? Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the flag was a symbol of the invasion of Ukraine, and called on Tennis Australia to ban Srdjan Djokovic for the remainder of the tournament.

Srdjan Djokovic was caught on camera posing with fans waving Russian flags emblazoned with President Vladimir Putin's head at the Australian Open, ...

Srdjan was outspoken last year when his son was prevented from playing in the Australian Open and deported from the country for not having a Covid vaccine. After watching his son's quarter-final win at the Australian Open he was seen posing with a Russian flag featuring Vladimir Putin's face Novak Djokovic's father Srdjan is seen in footage with a Russian flag at the Australian Open The star's father was warned over his conduct by Tennis Australia bosses, but Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has demanded he be banned from attending the Open and branded the incident 'such a disgrace.' He was standing next to one fan wearing a t-shirt with the Z symbol of the Russian military and appears to tell him in Serbian: 'Long live the Russians.' [Ukraine](/news/russia-ukraine-conflict/index.html)'s ambassador to Australia has demanded [Novak Djokovic](/sport/novak_djokovic/index.html)'s father be banned from the [Australian Open](/sport/australian_open/index.html) after he posed for photos with fans waving Russian flags which are banned from the tournament.

Craig O'Shannessy has moved to explain Novak Djokovic receiving notes during his matches at the Australian Open. Read more here.

Tennis Australia has acted over furore surrounding Novak Djokovic and his father. Read more here.

As Novak Djokovic prepares for his 44th career Grand Slam semi-final tomorrow he opened he cleared the confusion around a mysterious object first seen ...

A Tennis Australia statement read: “Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards. The chant “Serbia, Russia” could also be heard. A video emerged on social media from the world No.5's match against Enzo Couacaud in the second round in Melbourne. A clip featuring Russian supporters shows them chanting Putin's name, whilst also parading their flag. “I thank the Australian Open because they allowed me to use them even though other companies sponsor the tournament, so that’s why you don’t see Waterdrop’s logo. During his latest campaign at Melbourne Park, much scrutiny has been placed on the Serb’s troublesome hamstring, which seemed to hamper him throughout his opening rounds.

The odds are stacked heavily against first-time Slam semifinalist Paul, as he comes up against the nine-time Australian Open champion in top form.

He did well to take his opportunity and emerge out of a section of the draw that saw the big names fall early. He will be praying for a lapse from Djokovic, but as Rublev and De Minaur found out before him, that is unlikely to come. He has also made huge improvements on his serve while working with Brad Stine – most famously the coach of four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier. For all the serenity that was meant to surround his return to Melbourne, with fans accepting him after last year’s controversy, he has griped and grimaced through it all. The serve and return are on fire, and his command of the baseline seems just as good as it was during his peak. It was just that Djokovic, on the hunt for a 10th Australian Open and 22nd Grand Slam singles title, was simply too good.

Djokovic has strolled comfortably to the semi-finals with wins over Roberto Carballes Baena, Enzo Couacaud, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur and Andrey ...

He will take to the court at 7:30pm Australian time. Djokovic defeated Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final stage to progress through to the semis As for Tommy Paul, the American will be looking to produce a real upset against Djokovic

The tennis world is bristling over an old video of Novak Djokovic and Tommy Paul. Find out more here.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic's father says he will watch his son play in the Australian Open men's semifinal "from home", after he appeared in a video posing ...

I had no intention of being caught up in this. [Ukraine's ambassador to Australia called for Srdjan Djokovic to be banned](/news/2023-01-27/australian-open-tennis-sport-novak-djokovic-father-russian-flag/101898320) from the Australian Open, saying the behaviour was "a disgrace". Tennis star Novak Djokovic's father says he had no intention of causing "disruption" when he posed with a Russian flag outside the Australian Open.

Tennis ace Novak Djokovic's father said he will stay away from his son's Australian Open semi-final Friday, insisting he "wishes only for peace" after being ...

Srdjan Djokovic says he had 'no intention of being caught up in this' after he was filmed with pro-Putin spectators at previous game.

“Throughout the event we’ve spoken with players and their teams about the importance of not engaging in any activity that causes distress or disruption. “So there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch from home. “I was outside with Novak’s fans as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them.

A video posted to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account showed Djokovic's father Srdjan posing with a man holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin's ...

"Now it's all about Russian flags and Djokovic as well." "The last Open was all about Djokovic," he said. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia on Friday urged tennis officials to ban Novak Djokovic's father from the Australian Open after he was filmed posing with fans holding Russian flags.

Ukraine's ambassador to Australia on Friday urged tennis officials to ban Novak Djokovic's father from the Australian Open after he was filmed posing with ...

“This is about honour and dignity now. This is an attack on honour and dignity. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he didn’t “want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine”. “The last Open was all about Djokovic,” he said. Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan said he would not attend his son’s Australian Open semi-final on Friday to avoid further “disruption” after he was pictured with fans holding Russian flags. Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia on Friday urged tennis officials to ban Novak Djokovic’s father from the Australian Open after he was filmed posing with fans holding Russian flags.

Djokovic's father breaks silence, but no apology after controversial photo with pro-Putin protesters.

“My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace. “We will continue to strive for the safety of fans at the event and reiterate our position banning flags from Belarus and Russia. “After the events of Wednesday night, we acted swiftly to work police and our security teams to have the instigators of the protest removed from the venue,” it reads. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan says he and his family “wish only for peace” and that he “had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption” after posing with pro-Putin protesters brandishing Russian flags.

If Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas or Karen Khachanov are to lift the Australian Open title on Sunday, they will need to do what no player has managed since ...

"Every single thing you try to do on the court takes a lot of effort. I'm very happy to be out on the court. I think we all want it pretty bad for ourselves, but we want it for US tennis too." "The coaches have been telling us, 'we need new Americans, we need new Americans'. Although his formidable record at the Australian Open means it is scarcely needed with the Serbian aiming for an historic 10th title and a return to world No 1 "With this kind of game, of course the confidence level rises.

His 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 semifinal victory over American Tommy Paul on Friday was his 27th win in a row at the event.

Djokovic is now a win away from his 10th Australian Open title. Australian Open Semifinal Previews: Elena Rybakina vs. Djokovic leads Tsitsipas in their head-to-head, 10-2, winning their last nine in a row. Djokovic made a blistering start to the match, breaking Paul in his opening service game for a 2-0 lead, and eventually building a 5-1, double-break lead, even holding a set point in that game. 1 in Australia, and No. Sabalenka is a compelling battle for No.

Novak Djokovic is into his 10th Australian Open final after beating the American Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.

But at 5-1 deuce, Djokovic argued with the umpire, Damien Dumusois, over the 25-second shot clock and he briefly seemed to lose concentration. He struck four unforced errors in his opening service game and quickly fell down a break that quickly became two. Paul is a solid all-around player with few weaknesses, a great athlete who is confident off both wings and a desire to finish points at the net. With 27 consecutive wins in Melbourne dating back to 2019, he now boasts the biggest winning streak in the history of the tournament. At 35, the Serbian is also the fourth oldest man in the open era to reach the Australian Open final. He made unforced errors he would never normally make, he unloaded words of frustration at his team in his player box and struggled with his usually untouchable backhand.

Novak Djokovic will play for his 10th Australian Open title and a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam championship after defeating American Tommy Paul, 7-5, 6-1, ...

It's a childhood dream to be capturing the No. It's a Grand Slam final, I'm fighting for the No. “After that I started swing through the ball more, so I’m just really pleased to get through (to) another final.” He has improved a lot over the years. I had no intention of being caught up in this.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/1459323348.jpg) “Well, I won that match so my recollections are very positive,” Djokovic said. But the match turned with Paul serving at 5-6, 30-0 when he failed to hold. A statement from Victoria Police has confirmed all four men were evicted from the event. [said](https://nypost.com/2023/01/27/novak-djokovics-dad-srdjan-djokovic-responds-to-putin-flag-video/): “I am here to support my son only. The winner of the final will become world No. Djokovic’s mother, Dijana, and brother, Djordje, were in his box, while there was an empty seat where his father had been sitting. Djokovic leads Tsitsipas 10-2, but the Greek has a 2-1 advantage on outdoor hard courts.

Novak Djokovic remains on course to win a record-equaling 22nd grand slam title after beating American Tommy Paul in straight sets in the Australian Open ...

After that I was swinging through the ball more and I am just pleased to get through another final.” Djokovic holds the record for the most time spent as the world No. Long rallies and you could feel the heavy legs in the first set but I was fortunate to hold my nerves. It’s a grand slam final, I’m fighting for the No. 5 in the world, the Serb played a limited schedule in 2022 because of his decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19. “I just see no downside or negativity in what I’m trying to do out there,” Tsitsipas said. Djokovic was able to correct the skid and close out the opening set. It might not go the way I want it to, but I put 110 percent out there.” I know what’s expected and I have been in so many positions in my career,” he said in his on-court interview immediately afterwards. The final is set to be a thrilling encounter and whoever wins will be crowned the new men’s world No.1. But, Paul – the huge underdog after a dream run to the semifinal – fought back by breaking Djokovic’s serve twice to level the set at 5-5. “Long live the Russia,” he says.

Novak Djokovic faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open men's singles final, bidding to tie Rafael Nadal's men's Grand Slam titles record.

He got into a bit of a discussion with the chair umpire. That drought will continue for now, because even though Djokovic was not at his best in the opening set, he was good enough at the end of it, breaking in the last game, and never relented. He got broken when serving for the set there. Djokovic saved that, but then another missed backhand provided another break chance to someone playing the biggest match of his life. In the first game, Djokovic flubbed an overhead, a weakness he’s never solved. The serving was so-so. The 25-year-old was born in New Jersey and grew up in North Carolina, playing tennis at a club where the walls were festooned with posters of Andy Roddick — the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, way back at the 2003 U.S. The shotmaking was subpar. There was a pause in that string of victories a year ago, of course, when Djokovic was deported from Australia before competition began because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. If he can add one more to go alongside his seven titles at Wimbledon, three at the U.S. 1 in the ATP rankings. 1 there back in 2008, but his father stayed away from this match after getting caught up in a flap connected to spectators who brought banned Russian flags on site earlier in the week.

Fourth-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 ...