- Novak Djokovic beats Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-2 6-4 to reach semi-finals of Australian Open.
- Serbian is bidding for a record-extending 10th title and 22nd Grand Slam title.
- He will now face American Tommy Paul in the last eight.
Novak Djokovic occupied fifth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets at the Australian Open, advancing to the semi-finals.
Djokovic cruised to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory in Melbourne, where he is vying for a record-extending 10th title and 22nd Grand Slam title, to set up a meeting with American Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.
In windy conditions on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic targeted Rublev’s forehand and second serve with venomous returns and went ahead 3-1 in the first set after the Russian fifth seed double-faulted on break point, and the Serbian pulled away from there.
After taking the lead in the match with a brilliant backhand crosscourt winner, Djokovic demonstrated how difficult he is to beat on the grandest stage despite a strapped thigh due to a hamstring issue, breaking in the fifth game of the second set.
In the next game, he saved a break point and let out a huge roar before going on to double his lead in the contest after a frustrated Rublev unloaded on his coach in the stands after another double fault.
| Rublev | Match Stats | Djokovic |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Aces | 14 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 61% | 1st serve win percentage | 80% |
| 32% | 2nd serve win percentage | 50% |
| 0/5 | Break points won | 5/14 |
| 6/9 | Net points won | 11/15 |
| 26 | Total winners | 32 |
| 29 | Unforced errors | 21 |
| 75 | Total points won | 105 |
With Rublev seemingly out of ideas and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a major looming, Djokovic pounced early in the next set, closing out a convincing win on serve.
“I cannot be happier with my tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been playing very solid. I love playing in these conditions, on this court. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn’t speak the truth of the match.
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With Rublev seemingly out of ideas and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a major looming, Djokovic pounced early in the next set, closing out a convincing win on serve.
“I cannot be happier with my tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been playing very solid. I love playing in these conditions, on this court. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn’t speak the truth of the match.
