Perennial Australian Open semifinalist Stefanos Tsitsipas will battle familiar foe Karen Khachanov for a spot in a first-ever final in Melbourne. The winner will battle either Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul for the title.
World No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas has been one of the in-form players at the start of 2023. The Greek hasn’t lost a match yet with four wins at the United Cup and his current run to the Australian Open semifinals. Jannik Sinner–the tough, young Italian–snagged a couple sets in the round of 16, but otherwise it has been straight-set affairs for Tsitsipas.
Karen Khachanov, who was also a 2022 U.S. Open semifinalist, hasn’t been seriously tested in Melbourne. The Russian dropped one set each to Jason Kubler and Frances Tiafoe in the second and third rounds, respectively, but otherwise it has been smooth sailing. Quarterfinal opponent Sebastian Korda retired down two sets and 3-0 in third with a wrist injury. Khachanov will be plenty rested for this Friday afternoon showdown.
The problem for the Russian is that his record in the head-to-head series isn’t encouraging. Tsitsipas has won all five of their previous matches. The wins came mostly on hard courts, but his most recent victory was on the clay courts of Rome last year.
Given Tsitsipas’ current form and his daunting record over Khachanov, 2023 should mark the No. 3 seed’s first trip to the Australian Open final. Tsitsipas’ serve and forehand in particular have been doing the most damage this fortnight. Khachanov might take a set, but look for Tsitsipas to advance.
Cheryl pick: Tsitsipas in 4
Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 4
WWW?
KK in 5.
Tsitsipas has definitely improved, and past results favor him. But I think Khachanov is playing like a different player altogether from a year ago. If he can keep the form he’s had so far, he’ll take it. I also don’t trust Stefanos in big matches. Khachanov in 4.
KK playing well, but Tpas in 4.
KK’s results for the last year are pretty poor to say the least. How he is in the semis of 2 slams is something of a mystery.
I don’t trust Tsitsi as he can suddenly implode mentally but I do think he probably wins.