Novak Djokovic vs Tommy Paul - LIVE: Latest updates from Australian Open men’s semi-final

As Novak Djokovic continues to move on from the distractions, history awaits in the Australian Open final. The Serbian is through to his 10th in Melbourne and stands on the verge of joining Rafael Nadal on 22nd grand slam titles after shaking off an uncertain start to motor past Tommy Paul in straight-sets. A wobble midway through the first set was one of the few uncomfortable moments the 35-year-old has encountered on his return to Australia, which was perhaps an impact of his father Srdjan being filmed posing with Vladimir Putin supporters on Wednesday.

After overcoming a hamstring injury and his smooth progress past Alex De Minaur and Andrey Rublev, it was a rare obstacle for Djokovic to face. Srdjan, who said he unwittingly caught up in the pro-Russian demonstration, was absent from his box and in the opening stages against Paul, Djokovic cut a frustrated and irritated figure. Edgy and wide-eyed. Djokovic blew a 5-1 lead in the first set among an avalanche of unforced errors, offering Paul a leg-up into what was the first grand slam semi-final of the 25-year-old’s career.

It would have been an encouraging sight for Stefanos Tsitsipas, the in-form and confident Greek who awaits in Sunday’s final, but what followed was a further example of why Djokovic maintains an unbeaten record in Australian Open semi-finals. From 5-5 in the first set, Djokovic tightened his game and returned to his steely best. He rattled off 12 games out of the next 13 to leave Paul in the dust, finding his unerring serves and destructive winners. The American was not playing badly but Djokovic’s opponents are often at their most vulnerable when they are offered a glimmer of hope, as the Serbian closed his fist on the match.

Novak Djokovic on his energy levels: “It’s great, and perfect and 100 per cent. Yeah - we’ll see against Stefanos in two days! Of course you are not as fresh as at the beginning of the tournament but we put in a lot of of hours in the off season. I know what’s expected and I have been in so many positions in my career.

“It’s a great battle, with yourself and the opponent. Long rallies and you could feel the heavy legs in the first set but I was fortunate to hold my nerves. After that I was swinging through the ball more and I am just pleased to get through another final.”

Djokovic: “It’s always a battle with Stefanos, mentally, physically. Let’s bring it on. Winning grand slams and being number 1 in the world is the two biggest peaks as a tennis player. Let’s see what happens.”

The winner on Sunday will reach the top spot in the rankings.

Djokovic: “I was able to hold to my nerve at the end of the first set. That was really key, I was then able to swing a bit more. I’m happy to get through to another final.

“I’m trying to cherish every moment.”

Paul looks resigned to his fate but still chases after a couple of sensational angled volleys from Djokovic.

Three match points: Paul goes long on the return! There’s an embrace at the net and Djokovic will face Tsitsipas on Sunday for a TENTH Australian Open title.

Paul forces Djokovic to serve it out, but got a bit of a break after Djokovic sent a rare return long. The Serbian is a game away from a 10th Australian Open final.

Djokovic takes a long stare at a spectator in the crowd before getting to work on a service hold to love, firing three winners in a row onto the lines. Just an insane level.

Paul avoids the bagel, always a nice feeling, but it’s unlikely to disrupt Djokovic’s charge towards the final.

Paul gets a look at break point but Djokovic quickly closes the door. Paul has had nine break point opportunities in the match, but Djokovic has won seven of them.

That’s 12 of 13 games.

Djokovic is moving closer. He whips a stunning return winner past Paul on 15-15, then draws two errors from the American to get the double break. That’s 11 of the last 12 games.