Tennis star Novak Djokovic is just one win away from the Grand Slam record.

After initial problems, the 35-year-old Serb prevailed 7: 5, 6: 1, 6: 2 in the semifinals of the Australian Open against the American Tommy Paul and followed Stefanos Tsitsipas into the final. The Greek had just completed his second Grand Slam final with a 7: 6 (7: 2), 6: 4, 6: 7 (6: 8), 6: 3 against the Russian Karen Khachanov.

Should tournament favorite Djokovic win against Tsitsipas in his 33rd Grand Slam final on Sunday (9.30 a.m. CET / Eurosport), he would draw level with his 22nd title in a major tournament with record holder Rafael Nadal from Spain. The winner also replaces the absent Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz as number one in the world rankings.

“Winning a Grand Slam tournament and becoming number one are the two biggest highlights you can achieve as a tennis player,” Djokovic said afterwards: “I’m very blessed and grateful, I want to enjoy every moment.” When asked how his energy level was, he replied with a smile and a noticeable irony in his voice: “Great, perfect, 110 percent.”

Djokovic already set further milestones in his successful career with the semi-final success: With the 27th win in a row at the Australian Open, he surpassed tennis icon Andre Agassi from the USA. He also went unbeaten in his tenth semi-final match at Melbourne Park.

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