Novak Djokovic at Australian Open 2023: when is his next match? Semi-final opponent and how to watch

Novak Djokovic has stormed through the opening rounds of the Australian Open and has now reached the semi-final stages.

Djokovic has previously won nine Australian Open titles but was banned from competing at the 2022 tournament due to Australia’s vaccination rules. It was initially believed that the Serbian world number five would be unable to compete in the country until 2025, but a new government in Victoria overturned the ban on Djokovic’s visa.

The 35-year-old has lost just one set on his way to reaching this week’s last four. In his first round, the fourth seed beat Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 and went on to play Enzo Couacaud who he beat 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-0. Djokovic then took on Gregor Dimitrov in the third round. Dimitrov was beaten 7-6 6-3 6-4 and in the Serbian’s fourth round match he defeated the Australian world number 22 Alex de Minaur.

Djokovic has now defeated the world number six Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-2 6-4 and will now prepare to take on America’s Tommy Paul in the semi-final

As Djokovic now prepares for the semi-final, here is all you need to know about the fixture...

When is Djokovic next playing?

The world number five will be in action once again on Friday 27 January. He will play what he will hope to be his penultimate match of the tournament at 3.30am GMT and it will be held on the Rod Laver Arena, where he has played all his previous matches.

Who is Djokovic playing?

Djokovic will take on the American tennis star Tommy Paul. Currently ranked number 35 in the ATP rankings, this is the furthest the 25-year-old Paul has ever reached in a Grand Slam. Last year, Paul reached the third round of his home Slam as well as the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships.

On his way to the semi-finals, Paul beat Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in five sets, fellow countryman Jenson Brooksby in three sets, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets and compatriot Ben Shelton in four sets.

This is set to be Djokovic and Paul’s first ever professional match and while the Serbian will be desperate to claim his 10th title, Paul will hope to reach his first ever Grand Slam final.

How to watch Djokovic at the Australian Open

Eurosports’ Discovery+ has all the action from Melbourne Park and viewers can sign up for an account from £6.99/month or £59.99/year. Discovery+ is now also available for Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers at no extra cost.

Sky TV customers already enjoying the 12-months’ discovery+ Entertainment pass will now be able to access the discovery+ Entertainment and Sport service on an ongoing basis as part of their Sky TV package. Those customers will be automatically upgraded. Go to the Sky TV website to find out more on how to acquire a subscription.

When is the Australian Open final?

The men’s final will take place this Sunday 29 January 2023. Djokovic is currently the bookies’ favourite to win the tournament, and therefore extend his record to 10 titles. The singles champion will take home a $2.9m payday (£1.6m)