Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open final: ‘That’s what his career is about’ – Tim Henman says No. 22 is key aim

Winning a 22nd Grand Slam title is more important to Novak Djokovic than being ranked No. 1 in the world, says Tim Henman, as the Serb closes in on equalling Rafael Nadal’s all-time record for a male player.

A 22nd Grand Slam title would pull Djokovic level with 2022 Australian Open winner Rafael Nadal, who has won more Slams than any man in tennis history.

“There’s a couple of numbers [after reaching the final],” Henman said on Eurosport.

“The 10th Australian Open title, and the scenario of getting back to number one in the rankings, but the most important is 22; that is what his career is about.

“He’s given himself another opportunity. It wasn’t the best match he’s played [against Paul], but it’s about finding a way. He sounds very ready for whatever Tsitsipas can throw at him.”

When Djokovic was 5-1 up against Paul in the first set, he engaged in a discussion with the chair umpire around the deployment of the serve clock before he had used his towel between points.

After the discussion, Paul won four games in a row, but Djokovic was still able to close out the set in one hour. Henman thinks the towel incident distracted Djokovic.

“It was surprising because Novak was up 5-1,” he said. “It was to do with what the umpire started the shot clock. He was asking to try and understand when the umpire was going to start the clock.

“At 5-1 deuce, you’re in control of that first set, and I’m surprised that he had that type of in-depth discussion.

“It did distract him, and he lost his serve to go 5-2, losing nine points in a row. He played terribly at 5-3, with a double fault and some unforced errors.

“You thought maybe we’d have a match on our hands, but that’s where Djokovic has those gears to raise his level and race through the end of the first set.”

Mats Wilander believes the incident with the umpire motivated Djokovic to step up his performance in the match.

He said: “It pumped him up, that whole situation.

“He decided after being pegged back to 5-5, that he was going to win the next two games. He wanted a little bit of help from the crowd, wanting to get into Paul’s head. Suddenly, Paul couldn’t win any games. Unbelievably consistent performance.”

Laura Robson said there was nothing untoward for Djokovic to be concerned about.

“I think he’s a perfectionist,” she said. “Wanting perfection 100% of the time. When it’s off that, he does get frustrated, like we saw with the towels and talking to the umpire with such a comfortable lead.

“He’s so intense in the moment, and it helps his tennis, but there are times when it’s not necessary because he’s so much better than Paul, and there’s no need to stress.

“He was probably caught up in the moment and he couldn’t help himself. It happens to all of us.”

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