Novak Djokovic will be the clear favourite as he bids to equal Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam record and return to world No 1 in the Australian Open final on Sunday.
A year after being deported from Australia on the eve of the major for his stance against Covid-19 vaccine, Djokovic has battled a hamstring strain, heckling spectators and a media storm over his father mixing with fans toting banned Russian flags at the tennis.
Despite the distraction, Djokovic has remained focused.
The Serb's dominant semi-final victory over American Tommy Paul on Friday stretched his winning streak at the event to a record 27 in the professional era, eclipsing Andre Agassi's 26-match run between 2000 to 2004.
Never beaten at Melbourne Park after reaching the semis, fourth seed Djokovic is the favourite to triumph against Stefanos Tsitsipas under the floodlights at Rod Laver Arena and claim a record-extending 10th Australian Open title.
While Djokovic is into a record 33rd Grand Slam final and bidding to equal Nadal's 22 major crowns, the Greek third seed will play only his second.
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Actor Russell Crowe attends the Australian Open women's singles final between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Getty -
Actor Russell Crowe and Britney Theriot at the Australian Open women's final in Melbourne on Saturday. Getty -
Singer Sophie Monk attends the final between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. Getty -
Russell Crowe and Britney Theriot at Melbourne Park. Getty -
Former Treasurer of Australia Peter Costello and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, right. Getty -
Former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh at the final in Melbourne on Saturday. Getty -
Retired former world number one Ashleigh Barty carries the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup ahead of the women’s singles final between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. AFP -
Former England cricketer and commentator Isa Guha in Melbourne on Saturday. Getty -
Former cricketer Steve Waugh at Melbourne Park. Reuters -
Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Billie Jean King, right, at Melbourne Park. Getty -
Tania Doko from Bachelor Girl performs ahead of the women’s singles final. Getty -
Stefanie Jones sings the national anthem at Melbourne Park. Getty -
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, left, and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus ahead of the final. EPA
Adding spice to the showdown, the winner will become world No 1, dethroning Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz.
That is added incentive for Djokovic, who last held the top ranking in June.
"Winning Grand Slams and being the No 1 in the world are probably the two biggest peaks that you can climb as a professional tennis player," the 35-year-old said.
For Djokovic, it matters to be the best and he has a strong sense of his historical place in tennis. But he said navigating the highs and lows is "a great school of life".
"I play professional tennis for several different reasons," he said in Melbourne.
"Some personal reason is that I feel on the tennis court I always have an opportunity to learn something new about myself, I guess fight with my own demons that I guess we all have.
"When we're on the tennis court in the midst of a battle, some of the things surface, and I have to deal with it, so it's a great school of life for me.
"Then at the same time, of course, I have professional goals and ambitions," he added. "Those are Grand Slams and being No 1 in the world.
"So I do want to make more history in this sport, no doubt."
At 24, Tsitsipas may feel his time has come. He buried his semi-final hoodoo at Melbourne Park against Russian bruiser Karen Khachanov in four sets on Friday after falling three times previously at the hurdle.
"These are the moments I've been working hard for," said Tsitsipas.
"To be able to play in finals that have a bigger meaning than just the final."
