Stefanos Tsitsipas beats gutsy Karen Khachanov to reach first Australian Open final | Tennis News – Times of India
Greek third seed Tsitsipas, who had crashed three times at the semi-final stage at Melbourne Park, will play either favourite Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul for the title.
The 2021 French Open runner-up forced an error on the Khachanov forehand to grab an early break only to immediately surrender his serve.
A sizzling semifinal ends in Greek glory ???????? @steftsitsipas overcomes a valiant Karen Khachanov to reach his first… https://t.co/CXBciqKORH
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1674803793000
The pair traded breaks again in a see-sawing opening set but Tsitsipas came alive in the tiebreak and surged ahead in the match before getting his nose in front in the next set when Khachanov’s level dropped.
Despite being rattled by three foot faults and two time violations on serve, Tsitsipas looked more comfortable after wining the second set.
TSITSIPAS ???????? #AO2023 FINALIST @steftsitsipas • #AusOpen https://t.co/eBGbVmimdu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 1674803104000
The 24-year-old broke Khachanov for a 2-1 lead in the third but the Russian bravely drew level at 5-5 before it went to a tiebreak.
Tsitsipas hit two superb inside-out forehands to draw roars from the crowd but squandered two match points and allowed Khachanov to take the set.
The Greek regrouped in the fourth set to go 3-0 up and finished the match in style to claim a place in his second Grand Slam final.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
