It will be a battle of experience versus new talent when Novak Djokovic takes on Tommy Paul in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
There is no doubting that the Serbian is heavily favoured to reach the final, but his American opponent has enjoyed a breakthrough tournament and will look to continue his hot streak.
The Sporting News has all the details you need to make your punting decisions.
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul odds
To Win | USA (BetMGM) | UK (Skybet) | Australia (Sportsbet) |
Novak Djokovic | – | – | $1.04 |
Tommy Paul | – | – | $11.50 |
Spread | USA (BetMGM) | UK (Skybet) | Australia (Sportsbet) |
Novak Djokovic (-8.5 games) | – | – | $1.93 |
Tommy Paul (+8.5 games) | – | – | $1.80 |
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul form and betting trends
It’s fair to say that Djokovic is the heavy favourite coming into this encounter.
This has been the Serbian’s tournament to lose since the opening round, with a record 10th Australian Open singles crown appearing increasingly likely.
He has only dropped one set so far this campaign – in his second-round match against Enzo Couacaud – and no longer appears to be hampered by his fickle hamstring.
The 35-year-old’s quarter-final win against Andrey Rublev was arguably his most impressive victory so far this year, brushing aside the world No. 5.
Now, standing in his way of another Australian Open final is Tommy Paul.
The American will be playing in his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final and faces an uphill battle if he wants to reach the decider.
Coming in as an unseeded player, Paul has fended off strong competition so far, including Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Roberto Bautista Agut.
The 25-year-old beat fellow countryman and rising star Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, limiting errors in a strong display.
However, he has not yet faced a top 10 player this tournament, and Djokovic will be the ultimate test.
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul head-to-head results
Djokovic and Paul have never played each other.
Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul preview and prediction
It would take a very brave person to predict that Djokovic will bow out in the semi-finals of a major against a player with limited late-round Grand Slam experience.
This match truly is the Serbian’s to lose, but that does not mean we should entirely discount Paul.
Despite not being a household name, the American has stood up at key moments in his matches this tournament, and is no pushover.
His movement is arguably his biggest strength, which could play into his hands if Djokovic’s hamstring becomes an issue.
Despite this, Djokovic has a remarkable ability to control matches, moving his opponent around the court and dictating rallies.
Expect his experience and class to guide him to his 33rd Grand Slam final.
Prediction: Djokovic in three sets.
What time is Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul?
Djokovic and Paul will face off on Friday, January 27 (AEDT).
A start time for the match has not been announced yet and will be subject to weather conditions and the completion of prior matches.
UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
Date | – | – | – | Thursday, January 25 |
Time | – | – | – | TBC |
How to watch Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul: Australian Open semi-final
UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
TV channel | Eurosport 1 or 2 | ESPN/ESPN2 | TSN1/TSN5 | Channel 9 |
Streaming | eurosport.uk | ESPN+ and fuboTV | TSN+ | 9Now/Stan Sport |
Australia: The Nine Network is the free-to-air broadcaster of the Australian Open 2023.
The Australian Open can also be watched on SmartTV’s 9Now and Stan Sport as well as 9Gem.
Fans can also stream the Australian Open through 9Now and Stan Sport.
UK: Coverage of the Australian Open 2023 is being broadcast in the UK live and exclusively on Eurosport.
Eurosport 1 and 2 also provide daily coverage of the action in Melbourne.
UK fans can also stream the Australian Open through the discovery+ app, the Eurosport app, or through eurosport.co.uk
USA: Tennis fans based in the United States are able to watch this year’s Australian Open via ESPN. Matches are being broadcast on both ESPN and ESPN2.
ESPN+ and fuboTV are both offering live streaming during the 2023 Australian Open. FuboTV offers a free trial.
Canada: The 2023 Australian Open is being broadcast in Canada by TSN.
Matches are shown on either TSN1 or TSN5.
Canadian fans are able to live stream the action from Melbourne Park on TSN+.
The full TSN+ broadcast schedule can be accessed here.
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