Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the Australian Open 2023 men’s singles semifinals on day 12. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfolded at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
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Today’s men’s singles semifinals results
| NOVAK DJOKOVIC | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| TOMMY PAUL | 5 | 1 | 2 |
THIRD SET (* denotes server)
Djokovic* 6-2 Paul - Djokovic serving for a place in his 10th Australian Open final. Two forehand errors from Paul and Djokovic is 30-0 up. Paul’s crosscourt forehand return goes wide. Djokovic with three match points. Big serve down the T and Paul’s forehand return goes long. Djokovic is through to the final!
Djokovic 5-2 Paul* - Paul serving to stay in the set and the match. Ace wide into the deuce court to go 30-15 up. Forehand return winner down the line from Djokovic on second serve - Paul 40-30 up. The American manages to hold.
Djokovic* 5-1 Paul - Love hold for Djokovic. Finish line in sight now.
Djokovic 4-1 Paul* - Paul, finally, opens his account in the third set despite nervous moments after Djokovic got to 30-40.
Djokovic* 4-0 Paul - From nowhere, Paul is up 40-30 and has a break point. Djokovic saves it with a beautiful backhand down the line - deuce. Paul overhits a forehand and Djokovic has a game point. Wide serve into the ad court draws a heavy backhand return from Paul. Djokovic holds.
Djokovic 3-0 Paul* - Wide serve into the deuce court from Paul but Djokovic comes up with a brilliant crosscourt forehand return winner to go 30-15 up. Djokovic has two break points yet again. Backhand slice from Paul goes long and Djokovic is up by a double break.
Djokovic* 2-0 Paul - Djokovic consolidates the break with ease.
Djokovic 1-0 Paul* - Paul serves first in the third set and must-win set. Djokovic outfoxes Paul in the 23-shot rally but ends up losing the point as he nets the forehand down the line - Paul leads 30-15. Paul overhits an inside-out forehand - 30-all. Backhand error from Paul and Djokovic has a break point straight away. Paul pins Djokovic to the baseline with a flurry of down the line forehands before finishing the point with a crosscourt backhand volley - deuce. Another opportunity for Djokovic as he draws a faulty forehand from Paul. And the American saves another break point with a calm bounce smash after a tricky defensive lob from Djokovic. Paul rushes to the net mid-rally but does not put the volley away and Djokovic easily lobs him. Break point number three. And this time he converts as he draws a heavy forehand shot from Paul.
SECOND SET (* denotes server)
Djokovic* 6-1 Paul - Djokovic serving for the set. Djokovic hits an easy forehand into the net - 15-all. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand winner down the line - Djokovic up 30-15. Unbelievable defensive effort from Paul which eventually forced Djokovic to look for a drop shot but he nets it - 30-all. Paul nets the backhand return on second serve. Set point for Djokovic. Defensive lob from Paul lands wide and Djokovic takes the second set.
Djokovic 5-1 Paul* - Paul to serve to stay in the set. Gorgeous backhand down the line return winner from Djokovic on wide serve into the ad court from Paul - 15-all. Backhand return from Djokovic, this time, goes beyond the baseline. A sensational backhand pass winner from Paul after Djokovic seemed to have clinched it with a crosscourt backhand. Forehand return winner down the line from Djokovic. Paul holds with a crosscourt forehand winner. The American wins his first game of the second set.
Djokovic* 5-0 Paul - Love hold for the Serbian.
Djokovic 4-0 Paul* - Djokovic does well to set up the point but ends up hitting a crosscourt forehand from the net wide. A forehand winner down the line from Paul - 30-all. Second forehand error of the game from Paul and he is 30-40 down. And Djokovic breaks again after third forehand error from Paul.
Djokovic* 3-0 Paul - Paul with beautiful court coverage. Got to the crosscourt backhand from Djokovic and then anticipated the Serbian’s backhand down the line to finish the point with a forehand crosscourt volley into the open court - 30-15 to Paul. Double fault from Djokovic and he is down 30-40. Paul mistimes a forehand after getting into the rally - deuce. Net chord stops Djokovic’s crosscourt backhand mid way and Paul rushes forward to hit a backhand winner down the line to earn another break point. Djokovic saves it again as he draws a faulty crosscourt forehand from Paul - deuce again. Overcooked backhand from Djokovic and another break point for Paul. Djokovic looks tired and in some pain. Ace wide into the ad court to save a third break point from the Serbian - deuce again. Backhand slice from Paul finds the net and Djokovic, finally, has a game point. Backhand error from Paul. Djokovic consolidates the break!
Djokovic 2-0 Paul* - Trouble for Paul as twice, he goes for the inner sideline, but misses on both occasions and he is down 15-40. Paul hangs on in a 25-shot rally, Djokovic looks to end it with a drop shot but does not execute it well and Paul hits a crosscourt forehand winner to save one break point. However, a heavy forehand in the next rally from Paul costs him. Djokovic breaks!
Djokovic* 1-0 Paul - Djokovic begins the second set with a comfortable service hold.
FIRST SET (* denotes server)
Djokovic 7-5 Paul* - Paul to serve to stay in the set for the third time. An ace (212km/h) wide into the deuce court and he is 30-0 up. Backhand error from Paul. Stunning defending from Djokovic forced Paul to play two more shots and he hits an inside-out forehand into the net - 30-all. Paul mishits a forehand and from 0-30 down, Djokovic has come to lead 40-30 and has a set point. Another inside-out forehand from Paul goes wide and Djokovic takes the opening set in 59 minutes!
Djokovic* 6-5 Paul - Djokovic begins with an ace wide into the deuce court. Up 40-0 quickly. Love hold for the nine-time champion.
Djokovic 5-5 Paul* - Paul serving to stay in the set. A backhand goes long from Paul but he is leading 40-15. Backhand volley of the highest quality from the American to close the game.
Djokovic* 5-4 Paul - Djokovic serving for the set again. Begins with a double fault. Crosscourt backhand from Djokovic finds the net - another unforced error - and he is 0-30 down. Wide first serve into the deuce court from Djokovic draws a heavy return from Paul - 15-30. Inside-out forehand from Djokovic goes long and believe it or not, Paul has two break points. What a sensational last couple of minutes! Djokovic saves one with an ace wide into the deuce court. A 30-shot rally and Djokovic hits a crosscourt backhand long! We are back on serve.
Djokovic 5-3 Paul* - Love hold for Paul. That’s tough against Djokovic.
Djokovic* 5-2 Paul - Djokovic serving for the set. Big wide serve into the deuce court draws a heavy forehand return from Paul. Djokovic’s forehand down the line takes a deflection off the net and goes beyond the baseline - 30-all. A T ace to go 40-30 up and earn a set point. Forehand error from Djokovic and the set point has vanished - deuce. Backhand down the line winner from Paul and all of a sudden, he has a break point. Crosscourt backhand from Djokovic goes wide and Paul breaks!
Djokovic 5-1 Paul* - Paul to serve. Crucial service game for the American. Djokovic looks to be in control for major part of the 19-shot rally but at the end, Paul reads the drop shot well, rushes in and hits a crosscourt forehand winner - 15-all. Crosscourt forehand from Paul goes wide and he is down 15-30. Slow second serve from Paul and Djokovic hits the backhand crosscourt return wide - 30-all. Another long rally, 20 shots, Paul does well to hang on but Djokovic takes the point as Paul’s forehand shot way back from the baseline after Djokovic’s smash reaches only the net. Inside-out forehand from Paul goes long and Djokovic is up by a double break!
Djokovic* 4-1 Paul - Small window of opportunity for Paul as Djokovic makes a backhand error and goes 0-30 down. Ace wide into the ad court and Djokovic makes it 30-all. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a crosscourt forehand volley. Djokovic up 40-30. Double fault from Djokovic and it is deuce. Backhand winner down the line from Djokovic and he has another game point. Paul overhits a crosscourt forehand. Djokovic holds.
Djokovic 3-1 Paul* - First proper rally (11 shots) of the match and it is Paul who wins the point after Djokovic hits a crosscourt backhand wide. Ace wide into the deuce court - Paul leads 30-15. Backhand error from Paul and it looks like Djokovic has another chance to break. Strong inside-out forehand from Paul and this time, Djokovic is unable to be in position in time for the return. Paul leads 40-30. Djokovic overhits a forehand down the line. Paul opens his account.
Djokovic* 3-0 Paul - More comfortable hold for Djokovic this time. Consolidates the break.
Djokovic 2-0 Paul* - Djokovic up 30-0 on the American’s serve. Paul overhits a backhand after Djokovic’s crosscourt backhand takes a deflection off the net. Three break points. Big and wide kick serve from Paul and Djokovic’s backhand return goes long. Backhand error from Paul and Djokovic breaks!
Djokovic* 1-0 Paul - Warm up is done. Djokovic to serve first. Djokovic hits a simple overhead smash into the net - 15-all. Early signs of nerves? A backhand into the net and he is 15-30 down. Belts a strong first serve down the middle and Paul’s forehand return finds the net - 30-all. A double fault from Djokovic and Paul has a break point. A T serve followed by a forehand down the line winner from Djokovic - deuce. Paul does well to get into the rally but then overhits a forehand return. Game point for Djokovic. Heavy backhand from Djokovic and it is deuce again. Djokovic hits a crosscourt backhand into the net and Paul gets another break point. Wide serve into the ad court and Paul’s backhand return is not good enough - deuce again. Ace wide into the deuce court. Game point for Djokovic. And a T ace to close the game.
2:07PM - The two players are on their way to the Rod Laver Arena through the ‘Walk of Champions.’
2:05PM - Here we go. Time for the second semifinal. Tommy Paul faces the biggest challenge of his life. If there is anything that comes close to facing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, it is going up against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Would Paul be able to pull off an upset for the ages?
1:30PM - How Paul has reached the semifinals -
- Quarterfinal: Beat Ben Shelton (USA) 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
- Fourth Round: Beat Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
- Third Round: Beat Jenson Brooksby (USA) 6-1, 6-4, 6-3
- Second Round: Beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) 6-2, 2-6, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-4
- First Round: Beat Jen-Lennard Struff 6-1, 7-6 (6), 6-2
1:20PM - How Djokovic has reached the semifinals -
- Quarterfinal: Beat Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-1, 6-2, 6-4
- Fourth Round: Beat Alex de Minaur (AUS) 6-2, 6-1, 6-2
- Third Round: Beat Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 7-6 (7), 6-3, 6-4
- Second Round: Beat Enzo Couacaud (FRA) 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-0
- First Round: Beat Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-0
1:05PM - It is a first-time meeting between Djokovic and Paul. While Djokovic is the heavy favourite, Paul would hope that the unpredictability factor somehow helps him.
Stefanos Tsitsipas finally overcomes the semifinal hurdle in Melbourne. A gutsy performance from the third seed. He now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between nine-time champion Novak Djokovic and Tommy Paul which begins at 2PM IST. Stay tuned for build-up of that contest.
| STEFANOS TSITSIPAS | 7 (7) | 6 | 6 (6) | 6 |
| KAREN KHACHANOV | 6 (2) | 4 | 7 (8) | 3 |
FOURTH SET (* denotes server)
Tsitsipas* 6-3 Khachanov - Tsitsipas, once again, serving for a place in the final. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand crosscourt winner. A service winner wide into the ad court. An ace wide into the deuce court. Three match points. Big first serve down the T but Tsitsipas hits the forehand volley long. Wide serve into the ad court and Khachanov’s forehand return goes long! Tsitsipas is through to his maiden Australian Open final!
Tsitsipas 5-3 Khachanov* - Khachanov serving to stay in the set and match. Love hold.
Tsitsipas* 5-2 Khachanov - Love hold for Tsitsipas. He is just one game away from a maiden Australian Open final!
Tsitsipas 4-2 Khachanov* - Solid game yet again from Khachanov. Lost only one point that too due to a stunning forehand winner down the line from Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas* 4-1 Khachanov - Comfortable hold for Tsitsipas. Still up by a break.
Tsitsipas 3-1 Khachanov* - Big service hold for Khachanov. Keeps himself in the match.
Tsitsipas* 3-0 Khachanov - Tsitsipas consolidates the break with a love hold.
Tsitsipas 2-0 Khachanov* - A stunning backhand crosscourt drop shot from Tsitsipas before finishing the point with a crosscourt forehand winner - he is up 30-0. Another forehand winner down the line from the Greek and he has three break points. Khachanov saves one with a tight forehand volley. A heavy forehand return from the Greek and Khachanov saves another break point. One more chance for Tsitsipas. Backhand from the Russian goes long and Tsitsipas does get the break!
Tsitsipas* 1-0 Khachanov - Tsitsipas serves first in the fourth set and races to a 40-0 lead. The Greek mishits a backhand before Khachanov hits an inside-out forehand winner. Double fault from Tsitsipas and all of a sudden, it is deuce. Tsitsipas manages to hold.
THIRD SET (* denotes server)
Tiebreak (Khachanov 8-6 Tsitsipas): Forehand return from Tsitsipas after a short rally lands beyond the baseline on Khachanov’s serve. Wide serve into the ad court followed by an inside-out forehand volley - nerves of steel from Tsitsipas. The Greek takes a 2-1 lead with a T ace. Crosscourt backhand return from Tsitsipas goes wide - 2-all. Tsitsipas misses the forehand return on wide serve from Khachanov who now leads 3-2. Serve down the T followed by an inside-out forehand winner - Tsitsipas makes it 3-all. Change of ends. Tsitsipas with another gorgeous forehand to which Khachanov has no reply - 4-3. Forehand slice from Khachanov hits the top of the tap and he is down by a mini-break at 3-5. Clutch backhand volley from Khachanov lands right at Tsitsipas’ feet - 4-5. Forehand return from Khachanov goes long on body serve. Tsitsipas has two match points. Khachanov makes Tsitsipas move from end to end before finally unleashing a forehand winner down the line to save one match point after an 18-shot rally. Second match point but it is on the Russian’s serve. Khachanov finds the baseline by the barest of margins with his forehand down the line! It’s 6-all. Tsitsipas shanks the backhand return and Khachanov now leads 7-6 with a set point on the Greek’s serve. Tsitsipas overhits the forehand and Khachanov, from the brink of defeat, takes the third set 7-6 (6)!
Tsitsipas* 6-6 Khachanov - Tsitsipas now serving to stay in the set. The Greek goes up 30-0 with an ace wide into the ad court. Great forehand return from Khachanov with lots of depth on it, Tsitsipas’ backhand does not cross the net. Forehand winner from Tsitsipas down the line. Two game points. Big first serve down the T to seal the game and take the match to a tiebreaker.
Tsitsipas 5-6 Khachanov* - A love hold from Khachanov again. He guarantees himself at least a tiebreak.
Tsitsipas* 5-5 Khachanov - Tsitsipas serving for a place in the final. Tsitsipas somehow stays in the rally despite a poor backhand shot before clinching the point with a forehand down the line. Khachanov has to make the move now and he understands that as he hits a gorgeous crosscourt backhand winner to go 30-15 up. Big first serve down the T from Tsitsipas - 30-all. Khachanov’s backhand comes to the rescue again as Tsitsipas’ forehand does not come on time - break point. Tsitsipas has missed the easiest of the overhead smashes! Khachanov breaks!
Tsitsipas 5-4 Khachanov* - Khachanov serving to stay in the set and the match. Love hold.
Tsitsipas* 5-3 Khachanov - Tsitsipas quickly takes a 40-0 lead. Closes it with an ace wide into the ad court.
Tsitsipas 4-3 Khachanov* - A very important service game for Khachanov. Can’t afford to drop it now. Tsitsipas’ forehand is an absolute delight. An inside-out winner this time to go 30-15 up. Khachanov finds a backhand winner down the line - 30-all. Ace wide into the deuce court. Game point for Khachanov. Great wide serve into the ad court but Khachanov puts the simplest of the backhand volleys into the net - deuce. The Russian holds!
Tsitsipas* 4-2 Khachanov - Tsitsipas up 40-0 in no time. Khachanov makes it 30-40 with a backhand volley crosscourt. Tsitsipas nets a crosscourt forehand and it is deuce. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand winner down the line - Tsitsipas has a game point. A T ace to convert it.
Tsitsipas 3-2 Khachanov* - Khachanov races to 40-0 lead before netting a forehand. Tsitsipas hits a forehand return winner down the line which is followed by a backhand gone long from the Russian - deuce. A T ace from Khachanov to earn another game point. Another T ace to close the game.
Tsitsipas* 3-1 Khachanov - A crushing forehand return winner down the line from Khachanov on second serve - 15-all. Nevertheless, Tsitsipas holds comfortably and consolidates the break.
Tsitsipas 2-1 Khachanov* - For once, Khachanov gets the backhand down the line right - leads 30-15. Tsitsipas with one of the most outrageous crosscourt forehand returns before finishing it with a backhand down the line winner - 30-all. Break point for Tsitsipas as he rushes to the net and Khachanov’s lob is long. Great defensive work from Tsitsipas again but somehow, he hits a backhand long - deuce. Forehand error from Khachanov and he faces another break point. Forehand crosscourt from Tsitsipas goes wide but he gets another break point after Khachanov nets a backhand. Can he convert this chance? Yes, he can! Khachanov overhits a forehand down the line and misses the baseline.
Tsitsipas* 1-1 Khachanov - The third-seeded Greek stays as solid as ever. Love hold.
Tsitsipas 0-1 Khachanov* - Khachanov serving first in this must-win third set. Holds after a nervous start.
SECOND SET (* denotes server)
Tsitsipas* 6-4 Khachanov - Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand down the line - Tsitsipas up 15-0. Follows it up with a T ace. Three set points for the Greek. Wide kick serve into the ad court and Khachanov hits the crosscourt backhand return long. Tsitsipas clinches the second set as well!
Tsitsipas 5-4 Khachanov* - Khachanov in trouble - down 0-30. Finds a big first serve and finishes with a forehand down the line. Impossible point won from Tsitsipas - Khachanov fails to put the overhead smash away thrice and Tsitsipas eventually gets into the rally before finishing with a crosscourt forehand winner at the end of a 22-shot rally. Khachanov hits a forehand wide and Tsitsipas breaks!
Tsitsipas* 4-4 Khachanov - After a backhand winner down the line from Khachanov, Tsitsipas finds three big serves to go 40-15 in no time. Third foot fault of the match for Tsitsipas, this time it is on a second serve and he loses the point. Chance for Khachanov as he hits a dipping backhand down the line which makes it impossible for the Greek to hit the forehand volley - deuce. Tsitsipas responds with a serve wide into the deuce court. Backhand error from Tsitsipas and it is deuce again. Service winner with a wide serve into the deuce court for the Greek.. Game point. Body serve, backhand from Khachanov finds the net.
Tsitsipas 3-4 Khachanov* - Comfortable hold for Khachanov. This set too seems to be headed to a tiebreaker.
Tsitsipas* 3-3 Khachanov - Tsitsipas not letting Khachanov get anywhere close to breaking him.
Tsitsipas 2-3 Khachanov* - Love hold for the Russian.
Tsitsipas* 2-2 Khachanov - Another quick service hold for Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas 1-2 Khachanov* - A wild backhand from Khachanov, way off the inner side line he was aiming for - 0-15. Crosscourt backhand pass from Khachanov after Tsitsipas charges to the net - 15-all. Wide serve into the deuce court and Tsitsipas hits a forehand return winner down the line. Tsitsipas with two break points as Khachanov overhits a backhand from the net. The Russian saves one with an ace wide into the deuce court - 30-40. Excellent body serve from Khachanov as Tsitsipas’ backhand return goes flying off the court. Third break point for Tsitsipas as Khachanov overcooks a forehand. Tsitsipas does well to make Khachanov play one more shot with a superb defensive lob but the Russian manages to put the overhead smash away - deuce again. Game point for Khachanov after a forehand error from Tsitsipas. Service winner with a wide serve into the ad court. Khachanov holds.
Tsitsipas* 1-1 Khachanov - Comfortable service hold for Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas 0-1 Khachanov* - Khachanov serves first in the second set. Tsitsipas constructs the point perfectly, making Khachanov move from side to side, before finishing with a backhand volley - 30-all. Tsitsipas nets the backhand return on second serve. Tsitsipas draws Khachanov in with a drop shot, Khachanov tries to hit a pass but does not execute it and Tsitsipas simply lobs him. Khachanov tracks back but his shot lands beyond the baseline - deuce. Khachanov manages to hold serve but only just.
FIRST SET (* denotes server)
Tiebreaker (Tsitsipas 7-2 Khachanov): Khachanov’s forehand return lands into the net. T serve from Khachanov and this time, it is Tsitsipas who nets the forehand return. Tsitsipas gets the mini-break and goes 2-1 up after Khachanov makes a backhand error. Another backhand error from Khachanov on kick serve and he is down 1-3. Forehand error from Khachanov, ball lands at the bottom of the net and he is 1-4 down. Two serves for the Russian now. Tsitsipas stays in the rally with a defensive backhand lob that lands just on the baseline, Khachanov eventually switches to backhand and nets it - Tsitsipas leads 5-1. A forehand winner down the line earns five set points for the Greek. Khachanov saves first with a backhand down the line pass after Tsitsipas rushes to the net. Kick serve, down the T, and Khachanov hits the backhand return wide. Tsitsipas takes the opening set 7-6 (2).
Tsitsipas 6-6 Khachanov* - Khachanov serving to stay in the set. Yet again, Khachanov tries to rush to the net and Tsitsipas hits the backhand return which dips right at the Russian’s feet. An ace wide into the deuce court - Khachanov up 30-15. Khachanov closes the game with a crosscourt backhand volley. Tiebreaker coming.
Tsitsipas* 6-5 Khachanov - Another time violation for Tsitsipas and he loses his first serve. Does not manage to get the second serve in and it is a double fault - down 0-30. Big first serve down the middle, forehand return from Khachanov is heavy - 30-all. Wide serve into the deuce court for another service winner - 40-30. And a brutal kick serve draws a heavy backhand return from Khachanov. Tsitsipas holds. This is some recovery.
Tsitsipas 5-5 Khachanov* - Khachanov belts an inside-out forehand winner - 15-all. Wide serve and forehand down the line combo - the Russian leads 30-15. Khachanov closes the game with an ace wide into the ad court.
Tsitsipas* 5-4 Khachanov - Tsitsipas serving for the set. Commits a double fault. And another - he is down 0-30. Tsitsipas has already been warned for a time violation. Brilliantly disguised inside-out drop shot from Tsitsipas, Khachanov gets to it but does not manage to send the backhand over the line. Well, a forehand and a backhand error from Tsitsipas and Khachanov breaks back yet again.
Tsitsipas 5-3 Khachanov* - Backhand return from Tsitsipas lands bang on the baseline and Khachanov, perhaps in disbelief, shanks the forehand - 30-all. Wide serve into the deuce court and Tsitsipas misses the forehand return. Tsitsipas sets up the point with an inside-out forehand and ends with an overhead smash - deuce. Resolute defending from Tsitsipas in a 16-shot rally and Khachanov ends up hitting a backhand wide. Break point for the Greek. Tsitsipas with a big forehand down the line and Khachanov’s forehand in reply is wide. Tsitsipas breaks.
Tsitsipas* 4-3 Khachanov - Luck going Tsitsipas’ way. First, an overhead smash just catching the baseline and then a half volley catching the inner side line. A T ace and an overhead smash - Tsitsipas holds to love.
Tsitsipas 3-3 Khachanov* - Love hold for Khachanov.
Tsitsipas* 3-2 Khachanov - Stunning drop shot from Tsitsipas. Khachanov had no clue - 15-all. Khachanov adds a bit more pace into his shots and draws a heavy backhand from Tsitsipas to go 30-15 up. Chance to break back for the Russian as Tsitsipas’ one-handed backhand misses the inner side line. Wide serve into the deuce court saves one break point for the Greek. However, Khachanov converts the second as he holds the forehand down the line just a little longer so Tsitsipas does not anticipate it and eventually, the Greek, hits a crosscourt forehand into the net. Back on serve.
Tsitsipas 3-1 Khachanov* - Net chord helps Khachanov as his backhand shot takes a deflection and the ball drops dead on Tsitsipas’ side - 15-all. Tsitsipas with a forehand down the line winner after Khachanov tries to close the net. Loose game from Khachanov and he gets breaks after a defensive forehand shot goes wide.
Tsitsipas* 2-1 Khachanov - Khachanov wins the first point on Tsitsipas serve and what a way to do it! Tsitsipas came to the net and hit a crosscourt forehand volley to which the Russian replied with a forehand pass down the line after a brilliant run along the baseline - 15-15. Nevertheless, Tsitsipas holds.
Tsitsipas 1-1 Khachanov* - Only the sixth point of the match but a 25-shot rally already. Tsitsipas eventually draws Khachanov to the net but the Russian does well to force the third seed to hit a tough forehand pass which he is unable to do - 15-all. Tsitsipas overcooks a forehand return - Khachanov leads 40-15. Another forehand overhit by Tsitsipas, Khachanov holds.
Tsitsipas* 1-0 Khachanov - Warm up is done. Tsitsipas to serve. And the third seed begins with a love hold.
9:05AM - Tsitsipas and Khachanov are out on court. Tsitsipas leads the head-to-head record 5-0. Khachanov will have to play the match of his life to turn that around.
Where to watch 2023 Australian Open in India?
In India, viewers will be able to watch the live telecast of the Australian Open on the Sony Sports Network and stream the matches live on the SonyLiv app and JioTV.
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