Novak Djokovic is the plain favorite to take out this 12 months’s Australian Open title.
The nine-time champion has by no means misplaced the decider at Melbourne Park after making the semi-finals – which he did Wednesday evening by disposing of Andrey Rublev in straight units on Rod Laver Area.
Charging by in simply over two hours, Djokovic held each one in all his service video games to convincingly win the quarter-final encounter, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
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Remarkably, the Serbian has by no means misplaced a last or semi-final on the Australian Open and has not been overwhelmed on the event since Hyeong Chung took down the then-No.1 in straight units throughout the spherical of 18 in 2018.
With the stirring victory, Djokovic additionally broke the file for essentially the most consecutive matches gained on Rod Laver Area, surpassing Andre Agassi’s earlier mark of 25.
Talking post-match, a disillusioned Rublev confessed it was totally different taking part in the 21-time grand slam winner on Australian soil.
The pair had beforehand met on three events, together with Rublev defeating Djokovic in his hometown of Belgrade within the last of the Serbian Open final April.
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“Out of thrice that we’ve got performed earlier than, at this time he performed a lot better in comparison with our earlier conferences, even in Torino (Italy),” Rublev mentioned.
“As we speak, in my view, he was taking part in a lot better. That is it. I do not know what else to say.
“He was serving actually good, returning … He performed very well at this time.”
After simply clearing his final two opponents, together with Australia’s Alex de Minaur within the fourth spherical, Djokovic mentioned he was feeling constructive about his subsequent battle.
Djokovic lob shocks Rublev
“I can not actually say that that is as assured as I’ve ever felt as a result of I’ve had some unbelievable seasons [and] years right here on the Australian Open – some matches which might be actually unforgettable for me,” he mentioned.
“[It’s] robust to check as a result of I have been lucky to actually reside by plenty of success on the Australian Open.
“In my final two matches, taking part in towards two guys which might be actually good gamers, in-form gamers – to beat them dominantly in three units is one thing that’s positively one thing that I need on this second, one thing that sends a message to all my opponents remaining within the draw.
“With this type of match, in fact, the boldness stage rises contemplating the circumstances.
“I really feel good on the court docket, higher and higher because the event progresses.
“I have been on this scenario so many occasions in my life, in my profession. I’ve by no means misplaced a semi last on the Australian Open.
“Hopefully that may keep the identical.”
Djokovic will subsequent face unseeded American Tommy Paul in his first main semi-final displaying.
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