Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas has another chance to land his first Grand Slam title after reaching the Australian Open final by beating Russian Karen Khachanov in the Melbourne last four.
Third seed Tsitsipas, 24, won 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 against Khachanov, who was going for a maiden major final.
Tsitsipas lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final and might have the chance to avenge that loss.
Serbia's Djokovic plays American Tommy Paul in Friday's other semi-final.
Tsitsipas, who will become the world number one if he wins the title, eventually booked his place after recovering from Khachanov saving two match points in the third-set tie-break.
Another tight forehand saw a third chance disappear in what proved to be the final game, before he regained his composure to convert his fourth when a first serve was batted long by the 18th seed.
Asked what he was thinking when the match went into a fourth set, Tsitsipas said: "I thought about how hard I've worked to get to this position.
"But if you stick around, dedicate yourself even more, and concentrate even more in the important moments it pays off."
Nine-time champion Djokovic is the favourite to face Tsitsipas and takes on the unseeded Paul, who is competing in his first major semi-final, at 08:30 GMT on Friday.
The 35-year-old former world number one has won in Melbourne every time he has reached the last four and is aiming for a record-extending 10th title which would equal Rafael Nadal's record of 22 major men's titles.
Tsistipas feeling at home in Melbourne
At a tournament with a hard-court surface on which he thrives, and in a city where he is warmly backed by its large Greek population, Tsitsipas has long appeared destined for success at the Australian Open.
The towering youngster announced his arrival there with a famous 2019 win over defending champion Roger Federer in the fourth round, only for a captivating run to be ended when he was crushed by Rafael Nadal in his first semi-final appearance.
Long-time rival Daniil Medvedev ended his dreams at the last-four stage in both 2021 and 2022, with another Russian - this time, the powerful Khachanov - standing in his way this time.
Backed by a vocal crowd who waved Greek flags after virtually all of his winning points, Tsitsipas started confidently against a player who he had beaten in all of their five previous encounters.
Khachanov could not cope with Tsitsipas' pounding groundstrokes and dynamic athleticism as the world number four moved two sets ahead.
When Tsitsipas broke early in the third set and moved into a 5-4 lead which left him serving for the match, few on Rod Laver Arena expected anything other than a straight-set win.
However, nerves kicked in for Tsitsipas, who suddenly looked unsure with his groundstrokes, and Khachanov cut loose to extend the contest.
After a bathroom break before the fourth set, Tsitsipas returned free of the weight of expectation and broke Khachanov's serve at the first opportunity.
Dominant service games from that point ensured there would be no repeat of the previous set as he finally reached the final of what he calls his "home" Grand Slam event.
"I feel blessed for the fact I'm able to play tennis at this level and for many years I've wanted to put Greek tennis on the map - Maria [Sakkari] and I have done that, I think," Tsitsipas said.
"Coming from a small country like Greece I feel so grateful I get support like this.
"I never thought I would be treated so well here so I'm extremely happy I'm in the final now - let's see what happens."
Latest Stories
-
CLOGSAG vows to resist partisan appointments in Civil, Local Government Service
7 minutes -
Peasant Farmers Association welcomes Mahama’s move to rename Agric Ministry
9 minutes -
NDC grateful to chiefs, people of Bono Region -Asiedu Nketia
11 minutes -
Ban on smoking in public: FDA engages food service establishments on compliance
12 minutes -
Mahama’s administration to consider opening Ghana’s Mission in Budapest
14 minutes -
GEPA commits to building robust systems that empower MSMEs
16 minutes -
Twifo Atti-Morkwa poultry farmers in distress due to high cost of feed
19 minutes -
Central Region PURC assures residents of constant water, power supply during yuletide
20 minutes -
Election victory not licence to misbehave – Police to youth
21 minutes -
GPL 2024/2025: Nations thrash struggling Legon Cities
24 minutes -
Electoral offences have no expiry date, accountability is inevitable – Fifi Kwetey
24 minutes -
Ghanaians to enjoy reliable electricity this Christmas – ECG promises
31 minutes -
Police deny reports of election-related violence in Nsawam Adoagyiri
35 minutes -
‘We’re not brothers; we’ll show you where power lies’ – Dafeamekpor to Afenyo-Markin
39 minutes -
EPA says lead-based paints are dangerous to health, calls for safer alternatives
2 hours