Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul – Semi-Final – Preview & Prediction | 2023 Australian Open
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul on and what time does it start? Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul will take place on Friday 27th January, 2023 – not before 08:30 (UK)
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul taking place? Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul being played on? Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul on in the UK? Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
Former world number one Novak Djokovic made it 39 wins on the spin in Australia and 26 at the Australian Open after another one-sided masterclass in Melbourne, this time ousting world number six Andrey Rublev with just seven games conceded. The 35-year-old is, in essence, defending a trio of Australian Open titles one in 2019, 2020 and 2021 after he was banned form competing last season and there is no doubt that his messy deportation drama has added extra motivation. In addition to Djokovic’s Australian winning streak, the Serb takes a 15-match streak into the semi-finals after winning the ATP Finals for a record-equalling sixth time and adding Adelaide 1 to his career total of 92 titles. The Serb is the record title-holder here with nine Australian Open trophies to his name so far and he can equal Rafael Nadal’s current Men’s Grand Slam singles record of 22 by winning on Sunday.
TOMMY PAUL
25-year-old Tommy Paul will break the top 20 on tour for the first time no matter the outcome of this first Grand Slam semi-final. The American halted Ben Shelton’s incredible run on Wednesday with a four-set victory over the 20-year-old, backing-up eye-catching results over Roberto Bautista Agut and Jenson Brooksby. Paul has been steadily improving on tour over the last 12 months, with his run to the round of 16 at Wimbledon now looking more of a sign of things to come than a brief spark.
THE PREDICTION
Tommy Paul will be up for the challenge of facing Novak Djokovic for the first time in probably the toughest circumstances to do so. The Serb’s record nine Australian Open titles, including three that he is defending, and a mammoth 15-match winning streak would incite fear in any player on tour but Paul looks to be the kind that will embrace the underdog status with gusto and if he can find a way into some of the rallies here it is likely that the crowd will back him as one. However, Djokovic has not dropped a set since the second round, when his hamstring injury looked like ending his campaign early, and his level in the last two rounds has been beyond what any player left in Melbourne is capable of tackling. Tommy Paul has made great strides this fortnight but it would be one of the shocks of the century to see Novak Djokovic, chasing so many records it is hard to list them all, to fall short at this stage. Back the Serb to win outright, although three sets seem likelier than four.
