Australian Open 2023: Men's Final TV Coverage, Live Stream and Pick
The stage is set for the 2023 Australian Open men's final, and it should be a great one. Novak Djokovic defeated Tommy Paul in three sets early Friday morning to cement a showdown with 24-year-old rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
While Tsitsipas might not be a household name like Djokovic, he'll have a chance to change that this weekend. The 35-year-old Djokovic is a legend in the sport, but Tsitsipas holds a higher spot (fourth overall) in the Pepperstone ATP tour rankings.
If Tsitsipas can outlast Djokovic on Sunday, he'll take a step into the spotlight for more casual tennis fans.
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That's easier in theory than in practice, of course. Djokovic has won a whopping nine Australian Open titles, while Tsitsipas seeks his first Grand Slam win in his second appearance in a major final—the other being the 2021 French Open.
Unsurprisingly, Djokovic is a heavy favorite at -475 (bet $475 to win $100) at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Will Djokovic add to his collection of Australian hardware, or will Tsitsipas create a passing-of-the-torch moment? We'll find out in less than 24 hours.
Men's Singles Final Info
Date: Sunday, January 29
Time: 3:30 a.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
Pick
Novak Djokovic over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Five Sets
This is not the first time Djokovic and Tsitsipas have faced off in a Grand Slam final. That aforementioned 2021 French Open featured both stars, with Djokovic overcoming a two-set hole to win.
While Tsitsipas will certainly try for a different outcome this time around, it won't be easy. Djokovic has been on a tear throughout the tournament as he looks to tie Rafael Nadal's record 22 career Grand Slam wins. That record is a source of motivation that is hard to dismiss.
"There would be a 10th Australian Open title, there would be the scenario of getting back to number one in the rankings," former tennis pro Tim Henman said, per the Mirror's Liam Llewellyn. "But for me the most important number is 22, that is very much what his [Djokovic] career is about."
Djokovic has played like an athlete chasing greatness throughout the tournament, cruising past three seeded opponents in straight sets. Tsitsipas has fared well, too, and he does have youth in his corner.
Tsitsipas could gain an advantage in a grueling drawn-out match—especially if he can get up early, as he did in the 2021 French Open. However, the 35-year-old Djokovic remains in top form and is always prepared for a deep run.
"Of course, you are not as fresh as at the beginning of the tournament, but we put in a lot of hours in the offseason," Djokovic said, per CNN's Ben Morse. "I know what's expected and I have been in so many positions in my career."
While Djokovic may have the edge in experience, he has faced Tsitsipas multiple times and will not take his younger opponent lightly.
"I respect him a lot," Djokovic said, per Adam Zagoria of Forbes. "He has improved a lot over the years."
Djokovic first faced off against Tsitsipas in 2018, with the upstart claiming a hard-court victory. However, Tsitsipas' last victory over Djokovic came the following year, and Djokovic has claimed nine straight wins over the 24-year-old.
The potential for an upset certainly exists. However, the prediction here is that Djokovic makes it 10 consecutive wins, 10 Australian Open titles and goes into May's French Open with a share of the Grand Slam record.
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