The countdown is on for tonight’s Australian Open single men’s final, a decider like no other for both contenders. It also comes with unique significance for the Greek community in the Antipodes.

The ‘Greek God of tennis’ – as Stefanos Tsitsipas is named in fans’ banners – is facing only the second major final of his career.

His debut one was also against Novak Djokovic at the 2021 French Open.

For the 21-times Grand Slam champion the pressure is mounting too. The Serb is fighting for his tenth Australian Open title amidst a controversial social media saga that could see his father banned from attending his son’s player’s box.

Djokovic senior opted to not be at his son’s semi-final after photos and footage circulating showed him posing alongside pro-Russian fans outside Rod Laver Arena, next to a man wearing a ‘Z’ t-shirt and behind a flag with the face of Vladimir Putin.

Novak Djokovic has denied his family is in support of the war in Ukraine and said his father was misused by the protestors while he was making his way through crowds.

But the incident sparked an uproar with the Ukrainian ambassador calling for Tennis Australia to prevent Djokovic senior to attend the final.

Speaking on Sunday morning, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said it was “too early to tell” whether Djokovic senior would be allowed to attend.

What is certain for tonight’s game though is that Tsitsipas will be striving his best to not finish a runner-up after stating ready to “put 110 per cent out there”.

“Even if it doesn’t work, I’m very optimistic and positive about any outcome, any opponent that I have to face. This is something that has been sort of lacking in my game. I genuinely believe in what I’m able to produce,” the 24-year old said.

“This is a very humbling opportunity for me. Being in the finals here means a lot.”

It also means a lot for the thousands of Greek Australians who will be watching the Australian Open decider at home or at the site of the action.

Blue and white flags have been a common sight at the tournament, but the Greek presence at Rod Laver Arena is expected to be overwhelming with Tsitsipas even drawing fans from interstate and overseas.

In the lead up to the 2023 final, Melbourne Park has been reliving the ‘Marcos Baghdatis’ phenomenon with Greek Australians flocking to every match of Tsitsipas just as they did for Baghdatis in the lead up to the 2006 final.

Baghdatis has been one of Tsitsipas boyhood idols’. And the young star has said in the past he remembers the enthusiasm of the Melbourne crowd from the veteran’s games.

“I remember how it was with Baghdatis and I saw it last year for the first time,” Tsitsipas said in 2019.

“I would say it is always a big help having a big group of people there for you. It is definitely different to the other tournaments. I wouldn’t say (they add) pressure, but you just feel that people care more.”

“It is great having them next to me in difficult times. They are very loud; they want it more than me at times.”