Novak Djokovic feats 'not normal' says Boris Becker ahead of 'dream final' with Stefanos Tsitsipas at Australian Open

ByDan Quarrell

Published 27/01/2023 at 12:41 GMT

From one tennis legend to another, Eurosport's Boris Becker has paid tribute to his former player's incredible achievements in the sport after he secured his place in the final of the 2023 Australian Open, eyeing a record-extending 10th triumph at Melbourne Park. Djokovic is aiming to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach that landmark and also draw level with Rafael Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.

Eurosport expert Boris Becker has declared that Sunday's showpiece at the Australian Open between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be a "dream final" and lauded his former player.

Djokovic breezed into a 10th final at Melbourne Park with a straight-sets, 7-5 6-1 6-2, demolition of American Tommy Paul, and given he has lifted the trophy on the nine other occasions he has reached the final, he remains the hot favourite to reach double figures.

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, fended off a doughty Karen Khachanov to reach his second Grand Slam final with a 7-6(2) 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 victory in the first semi-final of the day as he eyes history of his own and continues to target the world No. 1 ranking.

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For Becker, what Djokovic has already achieved in his illustrious career is remarkable. He was adamant that no one should take for granted what the 35-year-old has accomplished and continues to as he eyes Rafael Nadal's record tally of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

"I don't know if a tennis player can achieve something like that again," Becker told Eurosport Germany's Matchball Becker show in reference to Djokovic's career.

"We are watching tennis history live here. We all take it for granted: The Djoker, he will do it... No, guys - that's not normal!

"Novak is getting older, too. He is now 35 years old. You could also notice on the court that he was catching his breath a bit more than usual. Let us enjoy it while we can see it because at some point it will be over."

'I just held my nerve' - Djokovic tells Eurosport after beating Paul to reach final

• 'You'd have to say it’s Federer' - Henman on GOAT race with Nadal and Djokovic
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Looking ahead to the men's showpiece on Sunday, Becker was in no doubt that this will be a "dream final" with the two players involved and everything that is at stake for the pair on the biggest stage.

"This is a dream final!" he declared. "When it is also about the world No. 1 ranking in a Grand Slam final, it fulfils childhood dreams. Tsitsipas has already said that.

"Sure, Djokovic has already been world No. 1, but he is looking at a 22nd Grand Slam singles title. He can equal Rafael Nadal's record. So either way, tennis history will be made."

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Stream the 2023 Australian Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk

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