AUSTRALIAN OPEN VIP TIP: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Karen Khachanov

Details:

Stefanos Tsitsipas is ranked at no. 4 at the moment, one spot shy from his career-best. He is perfect in 9 matches so far this season.

The 24-year-old is coming off an easy, straight set win over Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinal - 6-3, 7-6, 6-4. Previously he went through a tough-fought win over Jannik Sinner in the round of 16. The Greek led 2-0 but needed 5 sets to advance with 6-4, 6-4, 3-4, 4-6, 6-3.

In the first three rounds, Tsitsipas defeated Tallon Grieksppor, Rinky Hijikata and Quentin Hijikata, all in straight sets.

Tsitsipas is playing in his fourth semifinal in Melbourne hoping to reach his first final.

Karen Khachanov is 20. in the ATP rankings with his career-best being at no. 8.

The Russian is 8-2 in 2023. He has advanced to the semis after Sebastian Korda retired in the quarterfinals. Previously, Khachanov defeated Yoshihito Nishioka – 6-0, 6-0, 7-6, Francis Tiafoe by 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, Jason Kubler by 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 and Bernabe Zapata Miralles 7-6, 6-2, 6-0.

This is the first time for Khachanov to make it to the semifinals at the Australian Open.

Key facts

• Tsitsipas leads 5-1 against Khachanov
• The last time these two played, Tsitsipas won 2-1 in Rome last year
• Tsitsipas is 186-95 on hard while Khachanov is 144-89

This will be a great battle between two players with similar playing style. Tsitsipas has won 5 of 6 matches against Khachanov but that is not the only reason he is the favorite. He has grown into a stabile player who can keep the same pace and a high level of focus during the entire match which cannot be said for the Russian. This is the fourth time in Tsitsipas career to play for a place in the final in Melbourne and is about that time to finally make it. Khachanov will have his chance but will not win more than a set in this one.

Value Bet

Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-0

3.10

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