Stefanos Tsitsipas will make his second career Grand Slam final, the Greek qualifier in the final act of the Australian Open on Friday. His opponent will be Novak Djokovic, a nine-time winner in Melbourne – Djokovic has never lost a final at Rod Laver Arena.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the utmost confidence – He wants to become a world leader

Stefanos had a good run at the 2023 Australian Open where the Greek lost in three sets (two to Sinner and one to Khachanov in the semi-finals) to reach the final.

Tsitsipas expresses his confidence ahead of the big duel in the final, the Greek saying, among other things, that he is playing great tennis and that he is very confident in his own abilities. It’s the weapon the fourth favorite believes he can dominate at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

It is this confidence, built up recently, that gives Stefanos optimism ahead of the big duel with Nole, the best tennis player ever to play at the Australian Open.

“I play big tennis, I like it. I just don’t see any flaws or negativity in what I’m trying to do on the field. Even if something doesn’t work out, I’m optimistic about whatever outcome and opponent I have to face. This is something my game has been missing. It may not turn out the way I want, but I give 110%.

It all starts with confidence, your skills and what you can do on the field. I have a good relationship with myself on the field, but it’s also because of the experience.

I knew it was a very long way and that you have to go through certain steps to give yourself a chance to fight for something like this (a Grand Slam title), but I believed in it.

First, it’s your ego talking. You either have it or you don’t. I was very confident as a child. I felt good in my country.

I have shown that I am good by coming from Greece and competing in other countries. I took first place among juniors, now I want to do it in professional men’s tennis as well” – Stefanos TsitsipasEurosport quotes during the press conference.

The final won at Roland Garros 2021 is an important starting point for Novak Djokovic

“I won the match against Tsitsipas at Roland Garros (final number 2021), so I have positive memories. I was leading 2-0 in sets, it was a tough match physically and emotionally.

He is one of the most interesting players on the circuit (without Tsitsipas) and it will be a tough battle for both of them. Of course, the fact that we can climb to 1st place adds something, it’s extra motivation. Let’s see what happens on Sunday” – Novak Djokovic.

Know:

• Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas have met 12 times on the world stage so far with a score of 10-2 in favor of the Serb. The final of the Australian Open will take place on Sunday from 10:00 (LiveBlog on HotNews.ro and live broadcast on Eurosport).

• By the way, the last victory of the Greek dates back to 2019, with the Shanghai Masters, and Novak won in the last 9 direct meetings.

• Stefanos’ most painful loss to Novak came in the 2021 Roland Garros final (the Greek’s first Grand Slam), when Tsitsipas led 2-0 in sets before succumbing in dramatic fashion.

• The stakes of the Australian Open final are twofold: in addition to the Grand Slam title, the winner will become the world leader from next week.

• If it would be a habit for Nole to return to the leader’s chair (he would accumulate the 374th week in the first position of the ATP), then for Stefanos it would be the first time.

• For Djokovic, this will be the 10th final in Melbourne, all others have been won by the Serb.

• If he wins in the final action on Sunday, Nole will match record holder Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam titles won at 22 each.