Australian Open 2023 men’s finals Tsitsipas vs. Djokovic: what time, TV and how to watch online

The 2023 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final will take place on Sunday, January 29th, in Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.

When does Tsitsipas vs Djokovic start?

The 2023 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final will take place on Sunday, January 29th, in Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, with play getting started at the following times:

How to watch Tsitsipas vs Djokovic?

If you’re watching on TV, you can find the 2023 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic on the following channels:

Tsitsipas vs Djokovic: What lies beneath

Stefanos Tsitsipas

The Greek star is looking to win his first Grand Slam title as he reaches only his second major final. Getting past Russia’s Karen Khachanov in a razor-thin margined semi-final, Tsitsipas has the chance to become the world number one for the first time in his career.

This is Stefanos’ first trip to the final here in Melbourne after crashing out in the semis on four previous occasions.

“These are the moments I’ve been working hard for, to be able to play finals like this, but finals that have a bigger meaning than just a final. It’s a grand slam final. I’m fighting for the No.1 spot. It’s a childhood dream to be able to be capturing that spot one day. I’m close.”

Tsitsipas is doubly excited for this final, because of the sheer number of Greek flags in the stands. His desire to put his country on the world stage is palpable.

“I’ve been wanting for many years to put Greek tennis on the map. I know it probably doesn’t mean as much for Australians because you’re always producing amazing players. They’ve always had their fair share of high, top players, but coming from a small country like Greece, I’m so grateful that I get support like this.”

In order to do that, though, he has just one hurdle to get past, perhaps the biggest that he has ever faced.

Novak Djokovic

The Serbian ace has a chance to equal Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam singles record of 22 titles with a win here, and he is not one to feel nerves at all.

Last year, Djokovic was denied a visa to Australia when it was revealed that he had never had a covid vaccine, nor would he consent to one simply to gain entry to the country.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley, earlier this week issued a warning to Djokovic after his father, Srdjan, was spotted mixing with pro-Russia protesters. Jumping to the defence of his father, Novak insisted that it was a misunderstanding, saying: “There was a lot of Serbian flags around. That’s what he thought. He thought he was making a photo with somebody from Serbia. That’s it.”

While his off-court politics has often landed Djokovic in hot water with the press, his play has always been impeccable. While he is chasing Rafa Nadal’s record of Grand Slam wins, the polemic Serb remains the only player to have beaten the Spaniard in all four major events.

For over a decade, Djoko was the quiet one amongst the big three alpha-male tennis stars. Not as brash as Rafa, not as arrogant as Federer, he was the other guy. In the past few years, his competitive nature has revealed a ruthless streak that makes him the man to beat.

Tsitsipas vs Djokovic: The Prediction

While Novak Djokovic flicked his semi-final opponent Tommy Paul off like a great buffalo shaking a fly from his back, there were moments, brief though they were, where the Serb looked troubled in his play.

Tsitsipas has been outstanding in his run to the final, but he shows weakness in his backhand return. Djokovic will surely attack this flaw and the Greek will have to come up with some big answers in a hurry.

These two have faced each other nine times, with all nine going to Djokovic, and we don’t see this one going any differently. While Tsitsipas is unlikely to fall in straight sets, it is also not realistic to see him stretch Djokovic to a full five-set run. Look for this title to go to Novak in four sets.

Our Prediction: Djokovic wins 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4