At the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic put on yet another masterful performance to easily defeat fifth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets and go to the semi-finals.
In Melbourne, where he is vying for a record-extending 10th victory and 22nd Grand Slam championship, Djokovic cruised to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory to set up a clash with American Tommy Paul in the round of 16.
In windy conditions at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic attacked Rublev’s forehand and second serve with vicious replies. The Serbian drew away from Rublev after the fifth-seeded Russian double-failed on break point to lead the opening set 3-1.
Djokovic demonstrated how tough he is to beat on the biggest stage despite having a strapped thigh from a hamstring injury when the fourth seed broke in the fifth game of the second set. This was after grabbing the lead in the match with a spectacular backhand crosscourt winner.
Then, after an enraged Rublev yelled at his coach from the stands after another double fault, he played well to double his lead in the match after saving a break point in the following game.
As Rublev appeared to be at a loss for words and the prospect of suffering his ninth quarterfinal exit at a major loomed, Djokovic pounced early in the following set, closing out a decisive victory on serve.
Djokovic stated, “I cannot be happier with my tennis. I’ve been doing a great job playing. I enjoy playing on this court in these circumstances. Overall, I believe the match wasn’t as close as the first two sets’ scores indicated.”
“Andrey [Rublev] is a fantastic athlete. I played my best tennis in all the crucial situations and crucial strokes, which is what makes me the happiest tonight.”
His most recent victory at the Australian Open is his 26th straight triumph there, tying his old coach Andre Agassi’s record. Djokovic has a 39-match winning streak in Australia and is undefeated there since 2018. He has now matched Agassi’s string of victories from 2000 to 2004.
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