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Karen Khachanov, 26, feels he has "reinvented himself" with back-to-back Grand Slam semifinals as he is now aiming to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and come just a win away from becoming a Major champion. After reaching the US Open semifinal, Khachanov has also been through to the Australian Open semifinal.
On Tuesday, Khachanov had a 7-6 (5) 6-3 3-0 lead when Sebastian Korda retired their match due to a wrist injury. “I think I kind of reinvented myself. I would say I always believe in myself but there are always ups and downs and sometimes when you have those great results it just shows you what you are capable of and then you start to believe more and more.
So, this belief and self-confidence, I think, is much stronger after the US Open. I made it here to the semifinals, so I just hope to continue that way and to grow as a person and a sportsman," Khachanov said, per the ATP website.
Khachanov now plays Tsitsipas
In the Australian Open semifinal, Khachanov will be facing Tsitsipas. In his five matches won at the Australian Open this fortnight, Tsitsipas has won four of them in straight sets. Tsitsipas is in a great form but Khachanov isn't lacking any confidence in his abilities at the moment.
"I'm feeling good, to be honest. I'm really happy about my level, about the way I compete, and looking forward to the semi-finals here in Australia for the first time," Khachanov said. When Khachanov and Tsitsipas meet, it will be their sixth meeting.
So far, Tsitsipas has absolutely dominated their head-to-head as he owns a 5-0 record against KHachanov. Tsitsipas is more experienced when it comes to the Grand Slam stage as this will be his fourth Australian Open semifinal.
Also, Tsitsipas has already a Grand Slam semifinal win on his resume as he made the 2021 French Open final. It remains to be seen if Khachanov can upset Tsitsipas at the Australian Open.