Australian Open: Is Novak Djokovic already the winner?
Novak Djokovic is again in the semifinals of the Australian Open - specifically: for the tenth time. And that should make us sit up and take notice.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 26, 2023, 08:34 am
Are you friends of the cultivated statistics? The odds and probabilities? Then let's get started with a not-so-daring prognosis: Novak Djokovic will also win the Australian Open in 2023.
As simple as that.
At least if you look at the Djoker's career in Melbourne. Yes, we know, he's a record winner "down under", with nine titles so far. But what is special: Whenever Djokovic reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, he later also won the tournament. In other words: Djokovic has never lost a semi-final or final at the Australian Open. In 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021 he was in the semi-finals, later in the final and at the end with the winner's trophy. Strong!
Crazy actually: Including this year, Djokovic has reached the semifinals in Melbourne ten times - and that in turn is his worst value among the Grand Slams. Because at the US Open he was in the last four twelve times, in Roland Garros and Wimbledon eleven times each. However, "only" 3 titles (US Open), 2 (Roland Garros) and 7 (Wimbledon) jumped out here. In Melbourne, Djokovic is the man of efficiency when it comes to the nitty-gritty.
Djokovic: In 63.77 percent of all Grand Slam participations in the semifinals
By the way: With the entry into the semifinals after defeating Andrey Rublev, the Djoker is in the overall ranking in terms of major semifinals with 44 entries in second place in the all-time ranking, behind Roger Federer with 46.
But here, too, Djokovic is the master when it comes to "best yield". While Federer took part in 81 Grand Slam tournaments, Djokovic "only" started in 69 majors. And comes to a percentage yield of 63.77 percent. And that is once again: awesome!
First duel between Djokovic and Tommy Paul
Of course, everything still has to be played. So on Friday Djokovic will take on Tommy Paul, who took part in the premiere semi-finals.
The two have never met before, at least on the pitch. Or as Djokovic joked on Wednesday: In the locker room - yes, we've already met there.
laver arena