Roger Federer on Thursday overcame a tender groin muscle to jump out to an early 4-1 lead in the first set in his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic, but things went sideways quickly for the legend. His groin, the heat and Djokovic proved to be too much, as Djokovic took control, cruising to a 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 6-3 win. The victory pushed his career record against Federer to 27-23 and punched his ticket for the Men’s finals.
There he’ll face the winner of today’s match between #7 Alexander Zverev and #5 Dominic Thiem, which got underway at 3:30am ET on Friday. If that’s a bit too early for you, there’ll be a rebroadcast at 2pm ET.
Earlier in the week, Australian and top seed Ashleigh Barty fell to Sofia Kenin 6-7 (6-8), 5-7, as Barty failed to reach the finals at her local Grand Slam for the seventh year in a row. For Kenin, this is her best showing ever at a Grand Slam event, having never before escaped the fourth round.
Following her victory over Simona Halep, 7-6 (10-8), 7-5, Garbiñe Muguruza will face Kenin in the Women’s final. It was something of an upset, as Muguruza came into the tourney unseeded. This is Muguruza’s first Grand Slam final since she won Wimbledon in 2017. She would reach the top of the rankings that season, but had since fallen to 32 heading into the Australian. Welcome back.
Friday, January 31
Men’s Semifinals
#7 Alexander Zverev vs #5 Dominic Thiem
Live at 3:30am ET on ESPN
Encore at 2pm ET on ESPN2
Saturday, February 1
Women’s Final
#14 Sofia Kenin vs Garbiñe Muguruza
Live at 3:30am ET on ESPN
Encore at 8am ET on ESPN2
Sunday, February 2
Men’s Final
TBD vs #2 Novak Djokovic
Live at 3:30am on ESPN
Encores at 8am & 6pm on ESPN2
