Australian Open 2023 LIVE updates: Khachanov takes on Tsitsipas; Novak Djokovic to play Tommy Paul as men’s semi-finals begin

01/27/2023

Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece reacts after winning a point against Jiri Lehecka earlier this week. Credit:AP

But men’s tennis is undergoing a transformation and upheaval of sorts. Roger Federer is now confined to the pages of history – brilliant modern history mind you – but busier with fashion shoots than with forehands. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, the tournament’s top seed and in the same half of the draw as Tsitsipas, was forced out with the latest complaint for a 36-year-old, a strained hip flexor.

Tsitsipas hasn’t exactly cruised along in Melbourne but has had a good hit-out of matches, including being forced to five tough sets against Jannik Sinner in the fourth round. That contest was a key part of his preparation. The Greek’s semi-final on Friday against the underrated Karen Khachanov in the bright afternoon sunshine promises to be a belter. Beyond that, AO insiders would dearly love a showdown between Djokovic and Tsitispas under the bright lights of the final night of the tournament.

Top seeded Czech pair through to women’s doubles finals

First seed pair Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova are back in the women’s doubles finals after winning the title last year.

The Czech pair defeated Ukranine’s Marta Kostyuk and Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 on Friday afternoon.

The pair also won the US women’s doubles title in September.

Ban Novak Djokovic’s father from men’s finals: Ukraine ambassador

The Ukrainian ambassador has called for the Australian Open to ban the father of tennis champion Novak Djokovic from the men’s singles finals.

Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine’s most senior representative in Australia, has also called on the 21-time Grand Slam winner to explain his stance on Russia’s invasion given his father’s actions.

Homepage composite of Srdjan Djokovic, father of Novak Djokovic, saying “long live the Russians” in Serbian alongside fans with banned Russian flags at the Australian Open on Wednesday night.Credit:AP

“The fact that the father of the most famous tennis player in the world is supporting Putin, it’s not good. It doesn’t look good him either,” the ambassador told this masthead. “He has to address this question.”

On Wednesday night, Srdjan Djokovic was filmed appearing to say “long live the Russians” in Serbian alongside fans who were brandishing banned Russian flags at the Australian Open. The comment, captured in a video published to YouTube, was made after his son defeated Russian tennis star Andrew Rublev.

Welcome to the live action on day 12

Good afternoon and welcome to day 12 of the Australian Open. It’s the semi-finals and the last day before we learn which final two players in the men’s singles will clash for the title this weekend.

The main action this afternoon on Rod Laver Arena will see Stefanos Tsitsipas, the World No. 4, face Karen Khachanov, who is ranked No. 20. The players have faced each other five times since 2017, with Tsitsipas walking away with a win each time.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is set to face Karen Khachanov on Friday afternoon in a semi-finals clash.Credit:Eddie Jim

Tonight, nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic will play American Tommy Paul for the first time ever. Djokovic has reached the Open’s semi-finals nine times in his career, each time proceeding to win the title.

It’s a clear and sunny day here at Melbourne Park, with temperatures expected to nudge into the mid-to-high 20s.

Stay tuned for updates on all the live action.