Novak Djokovic matches Rafael Nadal’s record after storming into Australian Open 2021 final

The World No.1 Novak Djokovic is ticking the right boxes in the ongoing Australian Open 2021. Djokovic cruised to his ninth Australian Open final as he defeated Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in straight sets by 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

With this win, Djokovic made his way into the 28th final in the Grand slam history, matching his great rival Rafael Nadal’s record. Nadal was knocked out by Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling five-match contest in the quarter-final.

Consequently, the only Men player to make the final of the slam for more than 28 occasions is Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, who has done so on 31 times.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has an 8-0 record in the finals of the Australian Open and he will be looking to clinch his ninth AO title, which will be his 18th slam. Thus, if he manages to once again go all the way and defend his title, the Serbian will only be two short of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record of 20 slams.

However, it is not going to be an easy task for Djokovic as he will either face Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev in the final. Tsitsipas is high on confidence as he defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals after being two sets down and thus became only the second player in the Grand slam history to beat the Spaniard after being two sets down.

On the other hand, Daniil Medvedev is also in red-hot form as he has won 19 consecutive matches and he will look to continue the good form against the Greek. Medvedev and Tsitsipas will take on each other at the Rod Laver Arena today.

The final of the Australian Open will be played on Sunday.