Novak, Serena, Osaka in semis
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic smashed his racquet to bits and then swept Alexander Zverev out of the Australian Open as the defending champion followed Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka into the semi-finals on Tuesday. It was a patchy performance from the world No 1, who is nursing an abdominal injury and drew deeply on his mental fortitude to win 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6).
Djokovic will be hot favourite to reach Sunday’s final when he plays Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev. After destroying his racquet as he slipped behind in the third, Djokovic recovered brilliantly to take the set and he was ice-cool on the big points, drilling an ace to seal the decisive tiebreaker.
“Down to the very last shot it was anybody’s match,” said the 33-year-old Serb. “A lot of nerves out, a lot of pressure. Emotionally I feel a bit drained, honestly.”
The Serb remains on track for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title and 18th Grand Slam trophy, nipping at the heels of rivals Roger Federer and
Rafael Nadal, who both have 20.
Earlier, Williams took a step towards a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of second seed Simona Halep, her nemesis in the 2019 Wimbledon final.
Williams, 39, said her level was improving ahead of her meeting with Japan’s Osaka, who came out on top in their tempestuous 2018 US Open title match. “Definitely think this is the best match I have played this tournament, for sure,” said the 10th seed. “Obviously I had to, going up against the number two in the world, so I knew I had to do better.”
Their semi-final promises much after Osaka, the reigning US Open champion, looked in formidable touch in her 6-2, 6-2 win over Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei.