Djokovic beats Paul in straight sets to face Tsitsipas in AO men's singles final

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Novak Djokovic defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets Friday to face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Australian Open men's singles final.

The no. 5-ranked Djokovic from Serbia won the semifinal with sets of 7-5, 6-1, and 6-2 after two hours and 20 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.

"Obviously, I won that match, so my recollections are positive, but I was 2-0 down and it was his first Grand Slam final," Djokovic said after his win over Paul.

"It was a mental, physical and emotional battle, as it always is against Stefanos. I respect him a lot," he added.

With the result, the 35-year-old, a record nine-time winner in Melbourne, surged into a 10th Australian Open final.

Meanwhile, Paul, 25, became the first American man to qualify for the Australian Open semifinals since Andy Roddick in 2009.

Earlier Friday, Tsitsipas, the No. 3 seed, moved to his maiden Australian Open final in men's singles after beating 20th seed Karen Khachanov from Russia.

Djokovic will meet Tsitsipas on the court at 0830GMT on Sunday.