{"id":54482,"date":"2023-01-27T08:44:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T13:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=54482"},"modified":"2023-01-27T08:44:35","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T13:44:35","slug":"australian-open-final-predictions-novak-djokovic-vs-stefanos-tsitsipas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2023\/01\/27\/australian-open-final-predictions-novak-djokovic-vs-stefanos-tsitsipas\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Final Predictions: Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Sunday, we will get to see a blockbuster final match at the Australian Open. The last time these two met in a Grand Slam final, Stefanos Tsitsipas won the first two sets before Djokovic roared back to win<\/a> the 2021 French Open<\/a> final. Will we see similar on Sunday in Melbourne? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the match for you. Predicting the final are Jim Smith, Shane Black, Jakub Bobro, Nurein Ahmed, and Jack Edward. Who do you think will win?<\/p>\n

Australian Open Final Predictions<\/h2>\n

Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas<\/h4>\n

Jim:<\/em><\/h5>\n

Djokovic looked troubled physically at times against Paul in the semifinals and played some indifferent tennis the rest of the time. He was still barely troubled by the American, who was having the best fortnight of his career<\/a>. Of course, Tsitsipas is a better player than the American. But although the Greek has more strengths than Paul, he also has more weaknesses.<\/p>\n

His backhand return, in particular, will surely be targeted by Djokovic. In fact, it is hard to see his backhand standing up to Djokovic\u2019s full stop, with the Serb sure to win the majority of the cross-court exchanges. That will leave Tsitsipas reliant on his serve and forehand to do the damage. They may do some, but it won\u2019t be enough. Tsitsipas has lost nine matches on the bounce to Djokovic. He won\u2019t snap that streak in Djokovic\u2019s fortress.
\nPrediction: Djokovic in 3<\/em><\/p>\n

Shane:<\/em><\/h5>\n

Djokovic\u2019s level over the past two weeks has been ridiculous. He has dropped just one set and is playing with such controlled aggression his opponents have struggled to even take games off of him. Tsitsipias has to overcome the mental hurdle of losing his last nine matches to Djokovic but seems to be in the form to trouble the nine-time champ.<\/p>\n

The one place Djokovic has shown vulnerability is during longer rallies. Tommy Paul and Grigor Dimitrov were able to put pressure on his injured left hamstring and cause him a bit of discomfort. Tsitsipas\u2019 path to victory is to outlast the Serb with extended rallies of variation around the court. That said, I think Djokovic is too locked in to fall on his favorite court.
\nPrediction: Djokovic in 4<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>